Installation of Computer Internal Drives

Guide to Installing Computer Internal Drives

(Hard Drive, Floppy Drive,
CD-ROM Drive/DVD-ROM Drive)

Step 6 : Install Computer Internal Drives
(Hard Drive, Floppy Drive, CD-ROM Drive/DVD-ROM Drive)

When installing these computer internal drives, never use a magnetized screwdriver.

Install Hard Drive:

Before actually installing the hard drive, I recommend that you install a hard drive cooler to keep your hard drive cool. Click here to view some hard drive coolers.

You should install your boot hard drive on the primary IDE channel and set it as 'Master'.

There is a jumper located on the rear of the drive showing the different positions such as 'Master', 'Slave' and 'Cable Select'. Install the jumper on the pins marked 'Master'. (See Diagram A below).

Master/Slave Jumper Setting

Master/Slave Jumper Setting

Among the computer internal drives, the hard drive is the largest non-removable storage and it is the primary device that a computer uses to store data.

When installing this computer internal drive, always use the screws provided with the drive since other screws could be too long and damage the internal components.

Install hard drive in internal 3.5 inch drive bay and install all four retaining screws securely to prevent vibration of drive. Check to see that drive is secure.

After securing hard drive, it is now time to connect your IDE cable to your hard drive. This cable is indexed and can only fit one way into the drive and the motherboard.

The cable used to connect the hard drive is an 80-conductor cable. This cable is distinguishable from the 40-conductor cable because the 80-conductor cable uses very fine wires and the 40-conductor cable uses relatively thick wires.

If it is impossible to see where the cable is indexed, remember that the red stripe on the IDE cable corresponds with Pin 1 on the IDE drive and Pin 1 is the closest to the drive's power connector.

Connect the IDE cable into the Primary IDE channel connector on the motherboard and the other end into the connector on the drive.

Ensure that the cable is properly inserted. (See Diagram B below).

Install IDE Cable

IDE Cable Installation

Finally, plug power cable to drive ensuring that it has the correct orientation. (See Diagram C below).

Install Power Cable

Power Cable Installation

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Install Floppy Drive:

Another one of the computer internal drives is the floppy drive.

Check floppy drive to ensure no visible damage and install drive in external 3.5 inch drive bay.

When securing your drive with screws, I recommend that you do so on both sides of the Drive in which case you have to remove the left side case cover.

Out of all the computer internal drives, the floppy drive is the slowest and stores the smallest amount of data.

Align floppy so it sits flush with the front case bezel.

Note: Before connecting your floppy drive ribbon cable, you need to know that these cables have two connectors separated by a twist in the cable. This enables you to install two floppy drives on a computer.

If you install a single floppy drive on your computer, the drive is called Drive 'A' and must be attached to the connector after the twist in the cable. (See A on diagram below).

If you install another floppy drive, the second drive is called Drive 'B' and must be attached to the connector before the twist in the cable. (See B on diagram below).

Having noted the above information, you can now install your floppy drive ribbon cable. (See Diagram below).

Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable Showing Twist