How to install a primary hard drive
In this tutorial we learn how to install a primary hard drive. The primary drive is your primary drive, not a secondary drive. Installing a secondary drive is similar, but you’ll need to configure your drive differently. Make sure you have your documentation on hand at all times.
Learning to install computer components like a hard drive isn’t difficult, but proper preparation is the key to making it a smooth experience.
Before you begin, you must completely shut down your computer. Also be sure to switch the power supply switch to the off position and unplug the AC cord from the wall outlet.
1. Remove the case and set the jumper on your drive
The first order of business is to open up your computer case so you can install the hard drive. The method of doing this varies, but most modern cases use a mini-tower design and have side panels that screw into the chassis.
You will need to find the panel above the motherboard and remove the screws on the back to slide the panel out. If you have an older computer design, you may need to remove all the screws on the back and then slide the chassis out.
Next, you need to configure your hard drive. To properly install the hard drive components, you will need to set the jumpers on your drive. On the back of your unit, you will see pairs of metal pins that point to various positions. There will be a jumper over the pins in one of these configurations.
Check your documentation. Basically, if you’re installing the first and only drive, you’ll set the jumper to “Cable Select.” (If you were installing more than one drive, you would choose “Master” for the primary drive.)
2. Insert the drive into the case
Once the drive is configured, you are ready to insert it into the box. Take a look at your case design to see what your options are here.
Inside your case is what is known as a drive bay. Some of the newer case designs offer a removable version of this drive cage or bay. If you have that, consider yourself lucky. It’s much easier to know how to install computer components when you don’t have to poke around in the case all the time.
If you have a removable bay, remove it now. Align the mounting holes on the drive bay with the mounting holes on your hard drive, and then screw them down. When you’re done, insert the drive bay back into the case and screw it back in.
However, if you don’t have a removable bay, all is not lost. Simply insert the hard drive into the drive bay, align the mounting holes, and screw it down. It is not so difficult; it’s just a bit of hand-eye coordination.
3. Connect all cables
Of course, to install the hard drive components, or any other components, you’ll need to connect the cables somewhere. In the case of the hard drive, you will need to connect an IDE cable from the motherboard to the motherboard, and then connect the power cable.
First, install the IDE cable on the motherboard. For your convenience, the IDE cable is color coded. It is usually blue at the bottom and also has a red stripe on the side. This cable must be inserted on the motherboard into the IDE0 (primary) or IDE1 (secondary) connector.
As an additional check, make sure the side of the cable with the red stripe lines up with the back of the motherboard labeled “Pin 1.” Once you are done, connect the other end of this IDE cable to the hard drive. Plug in the black controller and make sure the red stripe is aligned with “Pin 1” on your hard drive.
Finally, plug your power supply’s four-pin connector into the back of your hard drive, and voila!
4. Close and power on
Now it’s time to close and turn on. Restore the case panel you removed earlier, or slide the computer chassis back into the computer case.
Screw it back on, turn the power switch to the on position, and plug in the AC cord. Turn the computer back on.
At this point, your system BIOS will detect that a new hard drive has been connected.
You may need to configure the BIOS to properly detect the hard drive or at least provide some specific settings. As we always say, check their documentation and follow their instructions. Much of our tutorials on how to install computer components apply across the board, but you still need to tweak some settings depending on your manufacturer.
conclusion
Learning to install hard drives is not mechanically difficult. It can be done very easily.
However, it is more than an installation. The drive unit must be configured correctly. The jumper settings should be set correctly, and then the BIOS should detect your new drive. Next, you’ll need to format your drive and install your operating system.
As you can see, beyond the basic installation, there are a number of additional details. That’s why we encourage you to be patient and follow these tutorials step by step and, as always, read the instructions!