Dell forum: Installing a new Hard Drive on a Dell Dimension E510

The instructions for a hard drive replacement are here:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/parts1.htm#wp1366406

The link you provided is for a PATA drive, which will NOT work. Your system requires an SATA drive such as this one:
http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p1_Seagate-500GB-3.5-inch-SATA-II-NCQ-Internal-Hard-Drive_169534_Business_Supplies_10051_SC3:CG6:DP1928:CL140461

I just stumbled across this post and THANK YOU so much for the detailed instructions on installing anything under the hood of the E510!

The question I have is, I am trying to squeeze more life out of my desktop. I still have the original 70 GB HD in it and I desperately need to upgrade it. I do have an external drive hooked up but I would like a larger internal one also.

What do I need to look for when buying a new drive? What are the specs and is there a limit on the size that I can install in it? Any links to ones out there would also be extremely appreciated! 8)

Thank you!
John

My Specs:
Windows Vista Home Edition
Service Pack 2
P4 3.00 GHz
RAM 2.5 GB
32-bit

It could be 2 partitions on the same drive also. Then your choices are:
1. Add the new drive as e:. That leaves you with the current c: and d: and the new e:
2. Replace the physical drive. You end with only c: and you should transfer the contents of both the old c: and the old d: to it.
3. Use the new drive as c: drive. Your old drive will become d: and e:. You won't lose any data, but you need to transfer everything from the old c: to the new c:. After that, you can erase the old c: (new d:).

Obviously, the first option is the most easy one.

If it really are 2 drives, the above schemes don't apply, of course. But I just want to save you some confusion if you open the case and find only one disk inside.

Kees