For the past few weeks I’ve been suggesting parts for a dream computer. As explained, my goal is not to provide the most expensive machine possible, but rather a computer that provides a lot of bang for the buck. Today we’re going to add some drives to the computer. If you’ve missed any of the previous installments, they are linked below.

• Intel i7-4790K Processor Heartbeat of Computer and Users
• Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H Motherboard Perfect for i7-4790K CPU
• Increase Your Memory With Fast G.Skill Ripjaws RAM
• Adding the GTX 780 Video Card to Our Dream Computer
• Power Up Our Dream Computer With XFX Pro 1050W Power Supply

Ideally there should be at least three drives in our computer. First is an SSD drive which will be used to store the operating system (Windows), software and permanent data such as artwork libraries. I first wrote about the Samsung 840 Pro last year and have linked to my original post. The drive is available in sizes up to 512 GB and I’d suggest you get the biggest.

Next is a mechanical drive and I have also written about the Seagate Barracuda 3TB drive in a previous post. It will be used to store all of your own data and 3TB gives you a lot of storage space. Last, we need an optical drive and I’ve selected the LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray Burner. There isn’t much to say other than you need an optical drive and this is one of the best. Even if you don’t need Blu-Ray today, it gives you that capability and there is little cost difference over a DVD drive.

• Samsung 840 Pro 6 GB/S SATA SSD Drive
• Seagate Barracuda 3TB Hard Drive
• LG WH16NS40 SATA 16x Blu-Ray Burner

Even though this post is about the drives internal to our dream computer, I also want to remind you the value of having backup for your data. I covered Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices a few months ago and I strongly encourage you to give Network Attached Storage (NAS) Secures Data and Backups another look.