Regardless of whether the hard drive is connected to the computer to increase the local storage or if the system drive fails, the procedure will be the same. However, in the first case, there are more ways to connect the HDD. All of them will be considered in the article.
Types of hard drives
Before connecting the hard drive to a computer or laptop, you need to determine the interface for its connection. Modern computers use the SATA port. On obsolete technology - IDE.
Take a look at the back of your hard drive. If it has a wide socket with contacts that look like carnations, then this is a drive with an IDE interface. The SATA connector is thin and similar in shape to the letter “G.” I must say that the IDE controller in the modern world is extremely rare. Depending on the hard drive, you will need the appropriate cable. The IDE cable is flat and wide. SATA is narrow, it takes up much less space and is more convenient to use.
Also, drives are divided by form factor. Today, the most common are 2.5- and 3.5-inch HDDs. For a desktop computer, any of them will do. For a laptop - only 2.5.
How to connect a hard drive to the system unit
Follow these steps:
- Turn off the computer through the Start menu.
- Unplug your computer.
- Remove the left cover by unscrewing the screws on the back of the PC case, if necessary.
- Before connecting the hard drive, install it on the slide located in the front of the system unit.
- Secure the drive with bolts.
- Connect the data cable with one end to the motherboard and the other to the hard drive. It does not matter which side of the cable to which device will be connected.
- Connect the power cable that comes out of the power supply. The IDE power connector is massive with four pins, SATA - narrow with a slot in the form of the letter "G".
Important! To properly connect a drive with an IDE connector, align the tab located on the cable with the groove on the connector.
After completing the instructions, it remains only to install the cover on the system unit body and connect the computer to the network. If the old HDD is out of order, then before you connect the hard drive, you must first disconnect the old. It is also advisable to remove the drive from the case to prevent possible cooling problems.
If the motherboard is not equipped with an IDE connector, you need to connect a HDD with this interface, first you need to purchase a special adapter. The connection scheme will be as follows: motherboard - cable - adapter - drive.
How to connect a hard drive to a laptop
To replace the drive, the procedure will be as follows:
- Turn off the laptop.
- Disconnect the power cable.
- Turn the laptop over.
- Disconnect the battery by first sliding the latches. If you experience difficulties during this procedure, refer to the official instructions that came with your laptop.
- Remove the bolts from the cover located on the back.
- Hook the lid with a thin and strong object, such as a knife, and pull it up.
- Before connecting a hard drive to a laptop, you must first disconnect the drive that is already installed in it. Loosen the screw holding the HDD mounting plate.
- Pull the drive with the plate in the opposite direction to the connector.
- Unscrew the mounting plate from the old HDD, usually it is fastened with four bolts on the sides of the device.
- Secure the new hard drive to the plate.
- Place it in the slots in which the old drive was installed, and slide it toward the connector.
- Screw in the screw securing the plate.
- Replace the cover and battery.
Connecting an additional hard drive to a laptop
The instructions for connecting a drive to a laptop were discussed above if HDD replacement is necessary. Is it possible to connect a hard drive to a laptop as an additional one without removing the old one?
For this operation, you will need an external device called a docking station. It has SATA ports for connecting drives. The device is connected to a laptop or computer with a regular USB cable. On sale there are more advanced docking stations that allow you to transfer data wirelessly.
Some laptops have a place to install a second HDD. It is located under one of the covers on the back of the laptop. However, an additional slot for installing HDD exists on a small number of laptop models.