Installing a new SATA hard drive in your desktop PC is an easy way to increase your computer's storage.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, or SATA, is the latest interface standard for connecting hard disk drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer. It replaces the previous IDE standard and has many advantages over the old interface. Most desktop computer motherboards manufactured in recent years allow you to connect at least two SATA devices; some motherboards support more. This makes it relatively easy to install an additional hard drive or optical drive in your computer.
Instructions
1. Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices such as your keyboard and mouse. Disconnect the power supply from the outlet and the rear of the computer. Wait 10 minutes for any stored electrical current to discharge.
2. Put on an anti-static wrist strap and connect the clip to an unpainted metal surface on the computer case. This prevents electrostatic discharge, which can damage your computer's internal components.
3. Open the computer case to access the internal hardware. The procedure varies from computer to the next but usually requires you to remove at least one of the side panels. Look for a locking screw or latch on the rear of the computer and release it. The side panel usually slides off, either up or to the rear. To install the hard drive, you might also have to remove the front cover. It is typically held in place with clips and can be popped off with a flat-blade screwdriver.
4. Install the new hard drive into an open bay. The hard drive is usually secured in place by two or more Phillips screws. If you only have a 5.25-inch bay available and need to install a 3.5-inch drive, you can purchase an adapter. As a last resort, you can simply attach the drive to the bay using a piece of double-sided tape, but this is not the recommended method.
5. Attach the SATA data cable to the data port on the rear of the hard drive. The connector simply slides onto the matching tab on the hard drive. Attach the other end of the cable to a SATA port on the motherboard. The connector is flat, usually red and is surrounded on three sides by a protective border. You will see several metal strands on one side of the connector. Consult your motherboard's manual for help locating the connectors if necessary.
6. Attach a 15-pin SATA power connector to the power jack on the rear of the hard drive. If your power supply doesn't have an available SATA connector, you can purchase an adapter that attaches to one of the 4-pin Molex connectors.
7. Close the case and reconnect the peripherals cables and the power supply.
8. Power up the computer and open Windows Explorer. Windows should recognize the new drive and assign it a drive letter. If you don't see the drive, you may need to enter the BIOS utility and make changes that will allow the computer to recognize the hard drive. Consult your computer's manual for BIOS setup instructions.
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