Additional hard drive for your computer. How to install a second hard drive in a laptop. Operating system settings
Connect the second one HDD to the computer.The time has come when one hard drive in the computer is no longer enough. More and more users decide to connect second HDD to your PC, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly themselves in order to avoid mistakes. In fact, the procedure for adding a second disk is simple and does not require special skills. It is not even necessary to mount the hard drive - it can be connected as external device, if there is a free USB port.
Connecting a second HDD to a PC or laptop
Connection options second hard disk are as simple as possible:
- Connecting the HDD to the computer system unit.
Suitable for owners of regular desktop PCs who do not want to have external connected devices.
- Connecting a hard drive as an external drive.
The easiest way HDD connections, and the only one possible for a laptop owner.
Option 1. Installation in the system unit
HDD type determination
Before connecting, you need to determine the type of interface the hard drive works with - SATA or IDE. Almost all modern computers are equipped SATA interface, accordingly, it is best if the hard drive is of the same type. The IDE bus is considered obsolete and may simply not be available on motherboard. Therefore, connecting such a drive may cause some difficulties.
The easiest way to recognize the standard is by contacts. This is what they look like on SATA drives:
And this is how the IDE does it:
Connecting a second SATA drive in the system unit
The process of connecting a disk is very easy and takes place in several stages:
Boot priority for SATA drives
The motherboard usually has 4 connectors for SATA connections-disks. They are designated as SATA0 - the first, SATA1 - the second, etc. The priority of the hard drive is directly related to the numbering of the connector. If you need to manually set the priority, you will need to go into the BIOS. Depending on the BIOS type, the interface and controls will be different.
In older versions, go to the section Advanced BIOS Features and work with the parameters First Boot Device And Second Boot Device. In new BIOS versions look for the section Boot or Boot Sequence and parameter 1st/2nd Boot Priority.
Connecting a second IDE drive
In rare cases, there is a need to install a disk with an outdated IDE interface. In this case, the connection process will be slightly different.
Connecting a second IDE drive to the first SATA drive
When you need to connect an IDE drive to an already working SATA HDD, use a special IDE-SATA adapter.
The connection diagram is as follows:
- The jumper on the adapter is set to Master mode.
- The IDE plug connects to the hard drive itself.
- The red SATA cable is connected on one side to the adapter, and the other to the motherboard.
- The power cable is connected on one side to the adapter, and on the other to the power supply.
You may need to purchase a 4-pin to SATA adapter.
Initializing the disk in the OS
In both cases, after connecting, the system may not see the connected disk. This does not mean that you did something wrong, on the contrary, it is normal when new HDD not visible in the system. The hard drive must be initialized before it can be used. Read about how this is done in our other article.
Option 2. Connecting an external hard drive
Often users choose to connect external HDD. This is much simpler and more convenient if some files stored on the disk are sometimes needed outside the home. And in the situation with laptops, this method will be especially relevant, since there is a separate slot for second HDD not provided there.
An external hard drive is connected via USB in exactly the same way as another device with the same interface (flash drive, mouse, keyboard).
A hard drive designed for installation in the system unit can also be connected via USB. To do this, you need to use either an adapter/adapter or a special external case for the hard drive. The essence of the operation of such devices is similar - the required voltage is supplied to the HDD through the adapter, and the connection to the PC is made via USB. Hard drives of different form factors have their own cables, so when purchasing you should always pay attention to the standard that sets dimensions your HDD.
If you decide to connect the drive using the second method, then literally follow 2 rules: do not neglect safe removal devices and do not disconnect the disk while working with the PC to avoid errors.
We talked about ways to connect a second hard drive to a computer or laptop. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this procedure and it is absolutely not necessary to use the services of computer specialists.
Even big disk space at long work on the computer may end. You can delete files and programs to free up some space, but this is a temporary solution. You can replace the hard drive, then you will have to reinstall the OS and configure the computer. It's easier to connect a second drive, which will significantly increase disk space for photos, games and movies.
Buy in store computer equipment a hard drive of sufficient capacity and a SATA data cable for connecting it. The disk capacity depends on the user's desire, but it is better not to save money and purchase a disk of at least a terabyte, so that you do not have to think about increasing the memory again soon. HDD modern computer most often connected using a SATA interface. The IDE format was used on computers until 2000. To be sure that the drive and motherboard are compatible, consult your dealer or read the instructions for your computer. Completely turn off the computer and everything additional devices from the power source. Place the system unit on its side and remove it sidebar . Consider the motherboard. On modern boards There may be several SATA controllers, up to 6 pieces. The IDE connector may be missing or used to connect a CD/DVD drive. In search the necessary controllers
Elevated temperatures can cause rapid wear on the surface of the hard drive. If it is not possible to separate the hard drives by space, then there is one way out - install a second fan to cool the drives. If all SATA controllers on the board are busy, then buy PCI controller With SATA connectors to connect a second drive.
Instructions
Second Winchester not only allows you to get extra bed for files, but also significantly increase the reliability of data storage due to duplication important files on . Before you start working on installing hard disk, be sure to make sure that the computer is disconnected from the network! Then use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the left (when looking at the front) side cover. Note that different models cases, the procedure for removing the cover may differ - for example, you may first need to remove the front panel. After unscrewing the screws, carefully remove the side panel. You may have to pull it back slightly to do this.
After removing the panel, you will see the computer motherboard, power supply, various wires and cables. And, of course, the hard drive, usually located at the front of the computer. Pay attention to how it is installed - second the hard drive will need to be installed in the same way, in a free niche. Such niches can be found above or below the main disk. If possible, do not place the disks immediately on top of each other - leave a gap between them, this will help them better cooling. Important point: on hard drives There are special jumpers that set the operating mode. The main disk should be set to the “Master” position. On the second – to the “Slave” position. The jumpers are very small and may require tweezers to install them. After placing the jumper, carefully install the disk in the location chosen for it, tighten the retaining screws. Together with Winchester There are usually none, so a couple of short screws should be found in advance - they should fit the threaded holes on the left and right sides Winchester A.
The disk is installed, all that remains is to connect the power and data cable to it. To connect power, you may need an adapter to a SATA drive. Best before purchasing Winchester But open the computer and see if the adapter is on the existing disk and if so, buy the same one. When connecting, pay attention to the shape of the connectors and the color of the main drive wires matching them - new disk you need to connect it exactly the same way. To connect the adapter, use any free connector with wires of the desired colors. The power is connected, the whole process is very simple. And most importantly, do not use force - all connectors are equipped with special protrusions that do not allow them to be installed incorrectly.
The power is connected, now you need to connect the data cable. When purchasing a disk, make sure that the cable is included in the package. If not, then buy it. Usually this is a flat red wire with connectors at the ends, its width is within a centimeter. One end of the cable is connected to Winchester y, you can easily find the connector you need. The second one is connected to the corresponding socket motherboard. To find it, look where the cable of the main disk is connected - the socket for the second (and often also the third and fourth) should be nearby.
That's it, the disk is connected. We put the cover back in place and turn on the computer. If everything is connected correctly, the computer will start to boot. After downloading, open “My Computer” - in the list hard drives a new disk should appear. If you don’t like the letter assigned to it by the system, go to: Start – Control Panel – Computer Management. In the “Storage Devices” section, select “Disk Management”. Right-click on the new drive and select “Change drive letter or drive path.” A window opens, select “Change” and set the desired drive letter.
If you have to disconnect any cables when installing a drive, sketch out their connections on a piece of paper. This will allow you to connect them correctly in the future.
Sources:
- how to install a second hard drive on a computer
- How to connect a second hard drive
Modern hard disks very reliable and can work very well long term. But no one is immune from breakdown of any equipment. If the hard drive fails, there is little chance that it can be repaired. Then you will have to purchase and install new hard disk. This process is not complicated, but there are some nuances associated with the type hard interfaces drives and motherboards. You need to choose a hard drive that fits the interface of your motherboard.
You will need
- computer, hard drive with SATA connector or IDE connector, screwdriver.
Instructions
First, find out what interfaces your motherboard is equipped with. This can be done by looking at the technical documentation for your computer. See if the motherboard has a SATA interface. If you don't have technical documentation, you can look at the connection interfaces on the motherboard itself. After all, in any case, the system unit will have to be opened.
Disconnect the computer from power. Unscrew the screws that secure the system unit cover and remove the system unit cover. Now look for the SATA inscription on the motherboard. Nearby are the SATA connection interfaces. Typically these interfaces are located in the lower right corner of the motherboard. Please note that SATA interfaces may not be available on fairly old motherboards.
Every year the amount of information stored on a computer increases. As a result, the computer takes a long time to boot and freezes periodically. And this is natural, because all data is stored on a hard drive, the memory of which is limited.
Users solve this problem in different ways. Someone is sending information to various media, someone turns to the specialist and asks to increase the computer’s memory, and someone decides to connect a second hard drive to the computer. Therefore, let’s figure out how to connect a second hard drive to a computer without the help of a specialist – on your own.
To begin with, you need to completely de-energize the system unit: Disconnect all cables and power cable. Now it is necessary unscrew the side covers system specialist Let's expand it back towards you and unscrew the four screws on the sides. Lightly pressing on the side parts, move them in the direction of the arrow and remove.
Hard drives in the system unit are installed in special compartments or cells. Such compartments may be located in the rear of the system unit at the bottom or in the middle, some hard disks installed turned on its side. If your system unit has several bays for hard drives, install the second one not adjacent to the first one - this will improve its cooling.
Depending on the method of connection to the motherboard, internal hard drives are divided into two types: with IDE and SATA interface. IDE is an older standard; now all system units are designed to connect hard drives with a SATA interface. It is not difficult to distinguish them: IDE has wide ports for connecting hard disk and power and a wide cable, SATA has both ports and cable much narrower.
Connecting a hard drive via SATA interface
If your system unit has a hard drive with a SATA interface, then connecting a second one will not be difficult.
Insert the second hard drive into a free slot and attach it to the body with screws.
Now we take a SATA cable through which data will be transferred, and connect it to the hard drive on either side. We connect the second plug of the cable to the SATA connector on the motherboard.
All system units have at least two SATA connectors; they look as shown in the picture below.
To connect to the power supply, a cable is used, the plug of which is slightly wider than that of a SATA cable. If there is only one plug coming from the power supply, you need to buy a splitter. If the power supply does not have a narrow plug, you will need to buy an adapter.
Connect the power cable to the hard drive.
A second hard drive is installed on the computer. Place the side covers of the system unit in place and secure them with screws.
Connecting a hard drive via the IDE interface
Although the IDE standard is outdated, hard drives with an IDE interface are still available. Therefore, next we will look at how to connect a second hard drive via the IDE interface.
First you need install jumper on the hard drive contacts to the desired position. This will allow you to determine in which mode the hard drive will operate: Master or Slave. Typically, a hard drive that is already installed on the computer operates in Master mode. It is the main one and the operating system is loaded from it. For the second hard drive that we are going to install, we need to select Slave mode. On hard case The disk contacts are usually labeled, so just put the jumper in the desired position.
The IDE cable through which data is transmitted has three plugs. One is located at the end of a long segment, of blue color, connects to the motherboard. Another one is in the middle, white, connects to the slave disk (Slave). The third, at the end of a short segment, black, is connected to the master disk.
Insert the hard drive into a free cell. Then secure it with screws.
Choose free plug from the power supply and insert it into the appropriate port on the hard drive.
Now insert the plug that is located in the middle of the train, to the hard drive port for data transfer. In this case, one end of the cable is already connected to the motherboard, the other to the previously installed hard drive.
Connecting the second hard drive via the IDE interface is now complete.
As you can see, we didn’t do anything complicated. Just be careful, and then you will definitely be able to connect a second hard drive to your computer.
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