If your computer requires additional storage space, this article will show you several ways to add a new hard drive and data storage space to your computer.
Step
Step 1. Check if you need IDE (Parallel ATA) or Serial ATA.
Even if older computers support IDE (Parallel ATA), new computers may only be compatible with Serial ATA. If you're not sure, open your computer case and try to determine what hard drive is inside. It is more certain that the new hard drive is of the same type as the hard drive on your computer, although there may be sockets for a different type of hard drive on your computer.
- IDE hard drives use flat, wide, rainbow-colored cables and may come with jumpers that need to be installed first.
- SATA hard drives have thinner cables and do not come with jumpers.
Step 2. Make sure there is enough space for the additional hard drive
Here's one way to install it:
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS menu.
- Go to "Standard CMOS Settings Or IDE Config."
- In this menu, you will see four settings that read: PRIMARY MASTER:, AUTO/PRIMARY SLAVE:, SECONDARY MASTER:, SECONDARY SLAVE:. Change all options to auto detection.
-
But restart the computer.
Step 3. Locate the area where all the rainbow colored flat cables (or SATA cables, which are smaller and usually red) can connect to the main board
Look for the connected cable with the free drive detected in steps 1-6, either as a primary or secondary drive.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 3 Step 4. Prepare your hard drive
Go to a computer store or shop online for a hard drive. Make sure the type matches (SATA or IDE (PATA)). If you plan to replace the hard drive currently installed in your computer (see Warning section below), make sure the new hard drive has enough space to replace the old hard drive.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 4 Step 5. Shut down your computer
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 5 Step 6. Unplug all cables from the back of your computer and remove the computer from the table
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 6 Step 7. Remove the computer case screws
If you have a Dell, you can simply press down to release the buttons on the back and sides of the computer. If you're having trouble, we recommend reading the user guide to find out how to remove the computer case. Store your screws in a safe place so they don't get lost. Remove the side panel of the case and place it next to you.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 7 Step 8. Locate the area where all the rainbow colored flat cables (or SATA cables, which are smaller and usually red) can be connected to the motherboard
(Figure 3). Look for the cable connected to the free drive detected in steps 1-6, either as a primary or secondary drive.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 8 Step 9. Install jumpers so the drive knows its function as master or slave (IDE only)
The jumper is a set of pins on the back of the hard drive. There are two rubber or plastic blocks that protect the pin set. Look for the image in your new hard drive's manual. Note that if both master and slave options are available in the slot you are using (primary or secondary), set the hard drive to master (figure 4).
Note: if you are using a SATA hard drive, the jumpers do not need to be replaced because each SATA device uses its own cable, and one cable can be used by multiple IDE devices.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 9 Step 10. Locate an empty slot on your computer
Install the new hard drive using the screws that came with the hard drive. (Figure 5)
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 10 Step 11. Connect the cable prepared in step 6 to the hard drive
If you can't get in, make sure the protrusions of the cable guard fit into the holes. (Figure 6).
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 11 Step 12. Connect the Molex power cable, (the small connection with the red, yellow, and black wires)
(Figure 7). SATA drives have different types of power cables in their power supply.
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 12 Step 13. Replace the side panel and screws on the computer
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 13 Step 14. Reconnect all cables to the back of the computer, and reconnect them to a power source
Add an Extra Hard Drive Step 14 Step 15. But your computer
Enter the BIOS when turning on the computer. Usually, you need to press F10 or DEL immediately after the computer boots up. Check BIOS auto-detect to make sure a second hard drive is detected. You should see the new hard drive name on the screen showing the primary master/slave and secondary master/slave
Tips
- We recommend using a SATA hard drive instead of an IDE as it is generally faster to perform, while wide rainbow cables for IDE can block airflow.
- If any BIOS issues occur, make sure the old hard drive is set to "Master". Or, if the old hard drive is set to CS (cable select), make sure it is connected with an IDE cable (you should have a rainbow cable select cable. You can see the label on each connector). Also, make sure that the cable is not inserted upside down.
- Try positioning the hard drives so that there is room for airflow and increasing cooling of the computer.
- Consider purchasing (or building) an external hard drive if your computer has a USB port. An external hard drive is simply connected via a USB port and functions the same as any other hard drive. However, there are a few extra steps if you want to speed from an external hard drive.
- The way SATA hard drives work is pretty much the same. Read the user manual to find out how to install this hard drive. However, be careful that only SATA compatible motherboards can connect to this hard drive.
Warning
- This article is not a guide for Mac computers. Also, the installation process for computers that have a clamshell case may be slightly different.
- Never change the CMOS settings. Each setting changes how your computer works and you could accidentally damage your computer.
- While you can replace the hard drive that contains the root filesystem (drive C:), this is difficult to do. Do not use this article to replace the system drive. However, the data drive can be replaced (if it is not the root drive of the computer). Note: you may need to leave the old hard drive for a while so that you can move its data to the new hard drive. If this is not possible (eg no empty slots), you will need a USB to IDE (PATA) or USB to SATA adapter to transfer data.
- Most hard drives are sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Ground yourself well while doing this (or ideally, when doing all electrical work). If that's not possible, try not to walk barefoot on carpet or similar surfaces. Also, to reduce the risk, minimize contact with your hard drive, just remove and plug it in, don't use this tool to play around.
