Hard Drive Configuration & Installation

Before beginning hard drive configuration and installation, we need to address a serious issue- static electricity. We naturally gather amounts of electrostatic charge as we go about our daily lives. This is especially so in low-humidity environments, such as heated homes in winter or in dry climates. Unfortunately, even small amounts of static electricity can destroy a computer component instantly.

Each time before handling computer components, always ground yourself. One method used by many people is to touch the frame of the computer case with both hands. You may wish to use some other method, such as an anti-static wrist ban. What ever method you use, don't forget to use it.

Hard Drive Configuration

If You Have Only One Hard Drive

Then this is a "single" configuration. Check the hard drive manual and see if the manufacturer has preset your hard drive to the default "single" configuration. Most likely, it has been done for you.

Don't plug the hard drive into the mobo. That will be done in a later step. If for any reason you DO need to configure your hard drive, it is described in the next section.

If You Have Two or More Hard Drives

If you have two or more hard drives, they will all have to be configured by hand. Hard drives are always configured before they are installed into the computer. Once in the case, it becomes too awkward to attach cables or set jumpers.

The idea behind hard drive configuration is to designate each drive as to its rank, either as "master" (the primary authority) or as a "slave" (secondary hard drives). By doing so, a contact procedure is set that is recognized by the motherboard. Configuration can be done by one of two techniques:

1. Jumpers - A jumper is a very small plastic cap with a metal connection inside. Jumpers are very small and are made to fit on only two pins in a jumper connection row of pins. See diagram on hard drive or in your manual. Jumpers can best be set using a pair of needle-nosed pliers.

   • If you have only one hard drive, use the jumper cap and place it in the "master" position as illustrated on the diagram. Many hard drives have a setting for "single." This lets the motherboard know the hard drive is working alone. Use the "single" setting when it is available.

   • If you have more than one hard drive, select the one you wish to be your primary hard drive, and set it to the "master" position. Set all the other hard drives in the "slave" position. The diagram will clearly show these positions.

   The hard drive can then be connected to the motherboard with a simple ATA cable.

2. Cable Select - The other method. A special ATA Select (CS) cable is used. It looks like a standard ribbon cable, except while one end has one connector; the other end has two connectors. The one end terminal connects to the motherboard. On the other end, one connector is the "master" connector which connects to the "master" hard drive. A second connector on the cable is a "slave" connector which connects to the "slave" hard drive.

   Only two hard drives may be placed on one channel. Motherboards usually have two channels. The channels are used for the hard drives and the CD-ROM.

If you have more than one hard drive, the hard drive manual AND the motherboard manual should be consulted in determining which method (Jumper or CS) should be used. It really doesn't matter which method you use as long as both the hard drive and the motherboard support that method.

Most hard drives will have a diagram clearly showing the correct manner of configuration. The diagram may be on the hard drive, on a separate sheet, or it may be in the manual. If you do not have the manual, try to get a copy. You may also be able to see a copy of the diagram on the manufacturer's website.

The hard drives are now configured. The mobo will be connected in Step 11, after the motherboard is installed.

Hard Drive Installation

Installation differs from case to case. Some cases will have one large rack that holds multiple hard drives. In other cases, the racks are movable, sometimes by squeezing two metal tabs together. In still others, racks are not movable.

First, ground yourself. Begin by picturing where the hard drive will go in the case. While it could be placed in any free bay, it must be remembered that the newer hard drives generate quite a bit more heat. Therefore, it's best to place it as far from other hardware as possible. Each hardware device needs as much room as possible.

Some cases provide room just under the power supply for hard drive installation. This is a horrible idea. The power supply is like a magnet. Magnets and hard drives do NOT go together. Place your hard drive away from the power supply.

Most cases have one or two positions below the floppy drive bay at the front of the case that will fit a hard drive. This is usually a good position.

You might notice that this position was meant for a larger drive. If so, you may be able to add or reposition the rails or mounting brackets to fit your hard drive. Extra brackets often come with a new case. In other cases, the positions are fixed.

If you need to install an additional fan, make sure you do so first. Good air flow always has top priority in any computer.

This may seem like a silly thing to say, but make sure you have the hard drive right-side-up. Many people new to computer assembly manage to install their hard drives up-side-down. While it will run in this position, this position will shorten its life.

Make sure the hard drive’s circuit board (logic board), which is face down, is NOT touching anything. The cable connectors should be facing to the back of the case.

Slide the hard drive onto the selected drive rail or mounting brackets. Screw the drive into place; be very careful not to force anything. Be sure the power connectors face the back.

In some cases it may be a problem to tighten the screw properly on the far side of the drive. Try different ways until you find one that will tighten the screws in a firm manner. Some cases provide little holes in interesting positions that conveniently fit a screw driver. A magnetic screw driver might help.

The power cable should be connected. The IDE ribbon cable should be connected to the motherboard's IDE 1 connector, and to the hard drive IDE connector.

The hard drive is now configured and installed. You will connect and format the hard drive later.

[ Step 4: CD-ROM & Floppy Drive ]