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Installing A New Hard Drive
For some people, the idea of replacing the hard drive inside their computer is as intimidating as changing a part inside their car.
But don't panic--it's very simple, as we hope this walk-through will prove.
Régis Jehl
Published: October 31, 2008
Published: October 31, 2008
The inside of your computer is a lot more like a fancy electronic set of Lego bricks than the inside of a Porsche, and most of the connectors will only work one way, so it's difficult to get things wrong.
Step 1: Open the Computer
The first thing to do is get your computer open. On the case we've got here, the fixtures are designed to be unscrewed with your fingers, but you may find you need to get a screwdriver out. When it comes to sliding off the panels, don't be afraid to use a little force as they're sometimes very stiff.
Once you've got it open, you'll be able to see the whole set of cables on the inside:
Step 1: Open the Computer
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The first thing to do is get your computer open. On the case we've got here, the fixtures are designed to be unscrewed with your fingers, but you may find you need to get a screwdriver out. When it comes to sliding off the panels, don't be afraid to use a little force as they're sometimes very stiff.
Once you've got it open, you'll be able to see the whole set of cables on the inside:
Step 2: Cables for the Hard Drive
Your next step is to connect your hard drive to the rest of your computer. There are two connectors on the back of SATA hard drives like this one: the longer plug with several wires is the power cable, and the shorter plug on a single orange ribbon will carry the data:
With these cables trailing from the back of your hard drive, it's time to plug them into your motherboard.
Step 3: Connect the Hard Drive
Next up you need to locate your motherboard, which should be easy enough as it's the one part of your computer with a cable connecting it to everything else. A SATA port the same shape and size as the one on your hard drive should be free. If you're replacing your existing hard drive you can plug it in there, but if you're adding a new one alongside you should be able to find a spare SATA somewhere nearby.
Your next step is to connect your hard drive to the rest of your computer. There are two connectors on the back of SATA hard drives like this one: the longer plug with several wires is the power cable, and the shorter plug on a single orange ribbon will carry the data:
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With these cables trailing from the back of your hard drive, it's time to plug them into your motherboard.
Step 3: Connect the Hard Drive
Next up you need to locate your motherboard, which should be easy enough as it's the one part of your computer with a cable connecting it to everything else. A SATA port the same shape and size as the one on your hard drive should be free. If you're replacing your existing hard drive you can plug it in there, but if you're adding a new one alongside you should be able to find a spare SATA somewhere nearby.
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It's exactly the same story for the power cables: either make a direct swap with the cables found on your existing hard drive if you're taking it out, or follow its cabling to find a spare power slot.
Step 4: Mount the Disk
The final step is to put the disk in place in an empty drive bay, for which you'll need to use four screws.
Step 5: Close the Case
You're nearly done! All you need to do know is fire up your computer and check that everything's working fine.
The final step is to put the disk in place in an empty drive bay, for which you'll need to use four screws.
Step 5: Close the Case
You're nearly done! All you need to do know is fire up your computer and check that everything's working fine.
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