A 3.5-inch hard drive is a type of data storage device commonly used in desktop computers and servers. The name refers to the physical size of the drive, which is 3.5 inches wide. These drives typically offer larger storage capacities compared to smaller drives, making them ideal for storing large amounts of data, such as videos, photos, and software applications. These hard drives use magnetic disks to read and write data, providing reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. While solid-state drives (SSDs) are becoming more popular for their speed, 3.5-inch hard drives remain a cost-effective option for users needing substantial storage space.