Best Internal Hard Drives for Desktop of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Internal hard drives for desktop computers are essential components that provide ample storage space for all your digital files. With capacities ranging from a few hundred gigabytes to several terabytes, these hard drives offer plenty of room for your documents, photos, videos, and other data. Designed to be installed inside the computer case, they ensure fast and reliable access to your files, improving overall system performance. Whether you need to upgrade your existing storage or build a new desktop computer, internal hard drives are a reliable and convenient solution.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD Cover #TOP 1
Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Seagate BarraCuda Pro 12TB HDD Cover #TOP 2
Seagate BarraCuda Pro 12TB HDD
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD Cover #TOP 3
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Internal Hard Drives for Desktop

#TOP 1

Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD

ST1000DM003
1 TB
Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD Cover
Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD Hard Drive - Internal (ST1000DM003)

The Seagate 1TB Desktop HDD is a high-performance internal hard drive that offers cost-effective storage solutions. With Seagate optic ache technology, it delivers up to 45% better performance compared to the previous generation. The SATA 6GB/s technology ensures maximum performance, allowing for faster data transfer rates. Additionally, the Seagate Acura technology provides reliable read/write performance even in high-touch operating environments. Whether you need to store large files, run multiple applications, or enhance your gaming experience, the Seagate 1TB HDD is a reliable and efficient choice.

What We Like
Cost-effective storage
Improved performance
Fast data transfer

Seagate BarraCuda Pro 12TB HDD

ST12000DM0007-cr
12 TB
Seagate BarraCuda Pro 12TB HDD Cover
Seagate BarraCuda Pro 12TB Internal Hard Drive Performance HDD - 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache for Desktop Computer (ST12000DM0007) (Renewed)

The Seagate BarraCuda Pro is designed to handle large projects and gaming needs with its impressive 12TB storage capacity. You can trust this drive, backed by over 20 years of innovation, to keep your data safe and accessible. It’s optimized for creative applications, meaning you’ll experience faster performance and greater reliability compared to standard drives. Plus, it’s built for 24/7 use, ensuring you can always access your files whenever you need them without any hassle.

What We Like
Large 12TB capacity
High reliability
Optimized for creative tasks
24/7 accessibility
#TOP 3

Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD

ST2000DMZ08
3.5 Inch
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD Cover
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache – Frustration Free Packaging (ST2000DM008/ST2000DMZ08)

Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD is a reliable choice for storing more data and computing faster. It is a go-to solution for various PC applications, including music, video, and photo editing, as well as PC gaming. With its proven reliability, users can confidently build a gaming computer or desktop setup with a variety of capacities and form factors. The internal hard drive technology has been backed by 20 years of innovation.

What We Like
Proven reliability for storing more data and computing faster
Variety of capacities and form factors for building a gaming computer or desktop setup
Go-to solution for various PC applications, including music, video, and photo editing, as well as PC gaming
#TOP 4

White Label 3TB Desktop Hard Drive

white label
LYSB00OS8YP9M-ELECTR
White
3 TB
White Label 3TB Desktop Hard Drive Cover
WL 3TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Desktop Hard Drive (For Server, RAID, NAS, DVR, Desktop PC) w/1 Year Warranty

WL 3TB SATA HDD is a reliable internal hard drive suitable for a wide range of applications. With a massive 3TB storage capacity, you can store a vast amount of data, including media files, documents, and other important data. The 7200RPM rotation speed ensures fast data transfer, allowing you to access your files quickly. The 64MB cache buffer provides smooth performance, reducing the time it takes to load applications and files. The 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s interface ensures compatibility with most desktop computers, servers, RAID, NAS, and DVR systems. With a 1-year warranty from the reseller, you can be confident in the quality and performance of this hard drive.

What We Like
3TB Storage Capacity
7200RPM Rotation Speed
64MB Cache Buffer
#TOP 5

Seagate BarraCuda Pro 8TB Internal Hard Drive Performance HDD - 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 5400 RPM 256MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC Laptop

ST8000DM004-cr
8 TB
Seagate BarraCuda Pro 8TB Internal Hard Drive Performance HDD - 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 5400 RPM 256MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC Laptop Cover
Seagate (Recertified) BarraCuda Pro 8TB Internal Hard Drive Performance HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 5400 RPM 256MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC Laptop (ST8000DM004)

Features
Trust BarraCuda Pro Internal Hard Drives To Store More, Compute Faster, And Do It Safely
These Drives Are Data Sanitized, Tested, And Include All Firmware And Parts, Like All Seagate Factory Recertified Devices.
8TB Capacity Is Ideal For Handling Huge Projects Or Building Gaming Computers
#TOP 6

White Label 2TB Internal Desktop Hard Drive

White Label
8541578856
Silver
2 TB
White Label 2TB Internal Desktop Hard Drive Cover
White Label 2 Terabyte (2TB) 16MB Cache 7200RPM SATA2 3.5" Internal Desktop Hard Drive (For PC, Mac, CCTV DVR, NAS) - w/ 1 Year Warranty

The White Label 2TB HDD is a reliable internal hard drive suitable for desktop PCs, Macs, CCTV DVRs, and NAS systems. With a capacity of 2TB, it provides ample space for storing large files, including high-resolution photos, videos, and games. The rotation speed of 5400RPM ensures fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for multitasking and data-intensive applications. The 16MB buffer size helps to enhance the overall performance of the hard drive, improving the responsiveness of the system. The 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s interface ensures easy installation and compatibility with most systems. With a 1-year warranty from the reseller, you can trust the White Label 2TB HDD to meet your storage needs.

What We Like
Large 2TB capacity
Fast 5400RPM rotation speed
16MB buffer size for improved performance
#TOP 7

WD Blue Desktop HDD - 500GB

WD
WD5000AAKX
Blue
500 GB
WD Blue Desktop HDD - 500GB Cover
WD Blue 500GB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 7200 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD5000AAKX

The WD Blue 500GB Desktop Hard Disk Drive (WD5000AAKX) from Western Digital is a reliable and efficient internal hard drive perfect for desktop computers. With its IntelliSeek feature, it calculates optimum seek speeds, which results in lower power consumption, noise reduction, and minimized vibration. The Data LifeGuard technology continuously monitors the drive to ensure it stays in optimum health, providing users with peace of mind. The NoTouch Ramp Load Technology safely positions the recording head off the disk surface, keeping the user's data protected. With a 2-year seller warranty, this hard drive is a great choice for those looking for a dependable storage solution. Please note that the package only includes the hard drive itself, so additional mounting hardware and cables may need to be purchased separately if necessary.

What We Like
Reliable
Efficient
Optimum health monitoring
#TOP 8

SEAGATE Barracuda Pro 10TB Internal Hard Drive

ST10000DM0004
10 TB
SEAGATE Barracuda Pro 10TB Internal Hard Drive Cover
SEAGATE Barracuda Pro SATA HDD 10TB 7200RPM 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive for PC Desktop Computers System All in One Home Servers DAS (ST10000DM0004) (Renewed)

The SEAGATE Barracuda Pro 10TB Internal Hard Drive is a high-performance hard drive that offers 7200RPM speed, sustained data rates up to 250MB/s, and burst data rates of 6Gb/s. It has a 300TB/year workload limit, making it compatible with Creative pros systems, Desktop or all-in-one PCs, Home servers, and Entry-level direct-attached storage devices (DAS). This renewed product comes in a pressure-rated box to ensure frustration-free delivery and has zero bad sectors and no power-on hours.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Compatible with various systems and devices
300TB/year workload limit
Zero bad sectors
Ships in pressure rated box for frustration-free delivery
#TOP 9

Seagate BarraCuda 5TB Internal Hard Drive HDD

ST5000LM000
Seagate BarraCuda 5TB Internal Hard Drive HDD Cover
Seagate BarraCuda 5TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 2.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 5400 RPM 128MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC (ST5000LM000)

The Seagate BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive HDD offers a reliable and fast storage solution for any PC application. With a variety of capacities and form factors, users can build a powerful desktop setup or gaming computer. The drive boasts a 128MB cache, 2.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s interface, and 5400 RPM speed, allowing for faster data transfer and computing. With 20 years of innovation, users can confidently rely on the proven reliability of BarraCuda internal hard drives.

What We Like
Large 5TB storage capacity
Fast data transfer with 5400 RPM speed and 128MB cache
Variety of capacities and form factors to build a powerful desktop setup or gaming computer
#TOP 10

HGST Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB Internal Hard Drive

HUS724040ALE641/CR/5YR
Silver
HGST Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB Internal Hard Drive Cover
HGST Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB 64MB Cache 7200RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5inch Internal Hard Drive (for NAS, Desktop PC/Mac, Surveillance Storage, CCTV DVR) - 5 Year Warranty (Renewed)

The HGST Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB Internal Hard Drive is a reliable and high-performance storage solution for various applications. With its 4TB capacity, 7200RPM rotation speed, and 64MB cache, it offers ample space and fast data access. This enterprise-grade hard drive is 100% tested and passed HGST Diagnostic Software, ensuring its reliability. It is compatible with servers, desktop PCs, Macs, RAID setups, NAS systems, and surveillance systems. Whether you need storage for your personal computer or a surveillance storage solution, this hard drive delivers excellent performance. Please note that this is a bare drive, and you need to format it on your system for it to be detected.

What We Like
Reliable and high-performance
Ample storage capacity
Compatible with various applications
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is HDD or SSD better for desktop?

SSDs are faster, more durable, more compact, quieter, and consume less energy. HDDs are more affordable and may offer easier data recovery in the event of damage. As long as price isn't the determining factor, SSDs come out on top — especially since modern SSDs are just about as reliable as HDDs.

2. What kind of hard drive do I need for desktop?

For PCs: Any hard drive will work as long as you know the form factor of the hard drive bays in your case and the connection types on your motherboard. Again, it's most likely 3.5-inch for desktops and 2.5-inch for laptops and most likely SATA connections.

3. What is PC internal hard drive?

An internal hard drive is the primary storage device located inside a computer system. It usually contains pre-installed software applications, the operating system and other files. Most desktop computers have several internal hard drives, allowing them to provide greater data storage.

Editor's Notes

During our internal hard drive for desktop research, we found 24 internal hard drive for desktop products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 550,909 customer reviews through our big data system to write the internal hard drives for desktop list. We found that most customers choose internal hard drives for desktop with an average price of $78.95.

The internal hard drives for desktop are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of internal hard drives for desktop, including Seagate, white label, WD, HGST. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 45 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.