How To Build A Computer
Step
Four:
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:
-
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.
-
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.
Tutorial Table of Contents • Next:
Step Five: CD-ROM Configuration
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