How do I know which hard drive to get?

[TheNerdal]

I am sort of new to computer hardware but I do know that some hardware requires it to be compatible with a motherboard for it to work, right?

I run Linux and my Hard drive has 10 bad sectors and I have no idea how to fix it. I might buy a new hard drive but first I must know which to buy. I think that hard drives are SATA or PATA.

Thanks.

The port that connects the hard drive to the motherboard or power supply (I forget) looks like IDE but I would like to make sure.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

You first need to determine what type of connection your motherboard uses. PATA (IDE) would be a wide 80 wire cable whereas SATA uses a much narrower connection.

PATA (IDE) top, SATA Bottom

PATA (IDE) left, SATA right

 

[TheNerdal]

I have IDE, so I have an old computer. xD

Thanks.

 

[mitch0508]

After that you just need to decide what size hard drive you would like