How to install the second hard drive on the computer

Currently, hard drives are the main data storage devices. All user data is stored on hard drive. And every day, the quantity of this data increases. Sooner or later, users live the fact that the hard disk space is insufficient. Leaving this situation is one, the second hard drive is necessary. In this article, I will try to help solve this problem.

1. Disconnects the computer supply

Before doing something on the computer, you need to disconnect it completely. Disconnect all the cables from the system unit. Simple closure with the power button is not enough, all cables must be disconnected.

2. Remove the side cover from the system unit

To connect the second hard drive to the computer, we must access the interior of the system unit. To do this, we must remove the lateral cover from the system unit. To install and fix the hard drive inside the system unit, you must have access on both sides. Thus, we delete the two side caps.

The lateral covers are fixed with two screws at the rear of the system unit.

3. Install and fix the second hard drive to the computer

Once the side covers have been removed, we can move on to the installation of the hard drive. Hard drives are installed in a special compartment of the system unit. Depending on the design of the system unit, this compartment may be different. We will analyze the most widespread.

The image image (below) is marked the hard disk compartment.

In one of the compartments is already installed a hard drive. This is the first hard drive, it is the operating system and all the data. The second hard drive must mount next to the first. If the hard drive compartment is designed for more than two, it would be advisable not to install the second hard drive to the first, to improve cooling.

Present the second hard drive in one of the locations. Remember that the hard drive should be placed on «special edges», not on another hard drive. If the space inside the system unit is insufficient, it is possible that before assembly, you will need to delete the video card or other components. But generally, it is not necessary.

After inserting the hard drive into the computer, it must be fixed with four screws. Two screws on one side of the hard drive and two on the other. Do not fix the hard drive in two or three screws, as it can cause vibrations and noise during the operation of the computer.

4. Connect the second hard drive to the motherboard and to the power supply

After entering and corrected the two hard drives to the computer, you can continue. Two cables are used to connect the hard drive, one to connect to the motherboard and the second to the power supply.

To connect to the motherboard, use the SATA cable (image below). It is usually red. A connector must connect to the motherboard and the second to the hard drive.

To connect to the power supply, a cable similar to the wider connector (the image below) is used.

If the power supply does not have such a connector, you will need an adapter (the image below).

5. We close the system unit

After connecting the second hard drive to the computer, you can close the system unit. Mount the side caps and fix them with screws. After setting up the blankets, you can start the computer. If you have done everything correctly, after starting the computer in the system, the second hard drive will appear.