Build 6:
Install the Hard Drive
Now we can install the hard drive and get it connected. This device stores all your data and programs when the power is switched off.
This is a hard-drive or ATA cable. The original drive cables only had 40 wires that were a little larger. Some genius discovered that by doubling the number of ground wires they could double the rate of data transfer. As a result these newer ATA cables have 80 wires.
The first thing we need to do is make sure they are configured correctly. Today’s computers have two separate channels for IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) devices.
In order for us to achieve maximum performance from our machine we will put each drive on its own channel and configure it to be the MASTER device. See, we are doing better than off-the-shelf products!
On closer inspection of your CD/DVD Rom and Hard drive you should find labels indicating how to configure the device to be set to the MASTER position.
Most drives come from the factory preconfigured for this setting, but it is always a good idea to double check. If you need to change the setting for your device, this will be where our needle nose pliers come in handy.
Find your ATA cables – the ones with 40 or 80 wires that we discussed earlier. Find the place on the motherboard where to connect this cable. These should be labeled PRIMARY and SECONDARY. Let’s attach our ATA cable to the PRIMARY channel.
We are going to use the primary channel for the hard drive. Some chassis have a separate mounting plate for the hard drive, and some chassis have a slot to mount the hard drive in. This particular case has a separate mounting plate.
Make sure to get your hard drive securely mounted. Install the hard drive carefully into its place. The mounting screws for hard drives are generally short, about 3/16 inch. Longer screws could reach the hard drive electronics board and cause damage.
Now, attach the end of your PRIMARY ATA cable to the hard drive.
We're almost finished: Now we can attach the power to the hard drive. This is called a Molex connector. You may find that wiggling the connector while plugging it into the hard drive helps.
There is only one way to install most/all plugs, so you could hardly go wrong. Look at the profile of each plug, and compare it to its socket before plugging it in.
(Hard Drive power plug – MOLEX)
Install the hard drive: That's it! Your hard drive is now safely installed: this long-term memory will most likely outlast your own!
I highly recommend computer parts and other electronic products from:
For the latest news on discounted computers and accesories, check:
Latest news and special offers!
If you find this website useful, feel free to recommend it to a Friend
Return from Install the Hard Drive to Build a Computer
Names used on this website in connection with different products may be trademarks of their respective owners, which I fully respect.
Copyright © 2005 www.silvercitizen.com All rights reserved.
All information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.
*Disclaimer: www.silvercitizen.com does not warrant any company, product, service or any content contained herein.
|
