Sata hard drive installation laptop

Remove the old hard drive. The method for securing the HDD into the drive bay will vary somewhat from system to system, but it typically requires two small screws on each side of the drive that hold it in the bay. Remove the screws and slide the old HDD out from the drive bay. The old drive has now been removed. Insert the new hard drive into an empty bay. If your case permits, try to maintain some space between the new drive and any existing drives to help promote airflow and cooling.

Be sure that the metal side faces up and the black, plastic side faces down. Also verify that the two SATA connection ports in back of the drive are accessible. Secure the drive. Secure the drive into the drive bay by inserting two screws into each side of the hard drive through the corresponding holes in the drive bay.

Make sure to only use short screws designed for hard drives; if the screws are too long they could seriously damage the hard drive when it is running. Connect the SATA cables to the hard drive.

Connect the insulated power cable with the wider tip into the larger connection port situated on the left-rear of the HDD.

If the power cable does not fit easily, check to make sure that it is not upside down. Connect the data cable to the smaller SATA port on the hard drive. If the power supply is older, it may not have any SATA power connectors. Molex plugs have four pins, and may be white or black. Connect the data cable to the motherboard. If you are adding a new drive, you will need to connect the data cable to a SATA port on the motherboard if you are replacing and old drive, the data cable should already be connected.

SATA ports are usually grouped together and labeled. Your primary boot drive should be connected to the lowest SATA port on your motherboard, unless otherwise specified in your motherboard documentation. You will need to install a motherboard that supports the SATA format. Finish the installation. Once the hard drive is secured and connected, close up your computer and power it back on.

Before you can use your new drive, you will need to format it. If you are replacing the primary drive or building a new computer, you will need to install your operating system. Follow one of the guides below for more detailed instructions: Install Windows 7.

Install Windows 8. Install Linux. Format your new storage drive. Method 2. Turn off the power switch on the back of the power supply, but leave the cable plugged in if possible. This will help keep you grounded. If you have to unplug everything, be sure to follow Step 2 closely. Open the case using the thumbscrews or a screwdriver if necessary. You will need to remove both side panels on many older cases and some newer ones in order to properly secure the drive.

Insert your new optical drive. Most optical drives are inserted from the front of the case. Secure the drive using two screws on each side, or by using rails if your case has them. Connect the power supply to the optical drive. If your power supply is older, it may only have Molex 4-pin connectors. Connect the optical drive to the motherboard. Use the smaller SATA data cable to connect the optical drive to the motherboard. Use the SATA port on the motherboard directly after your last hard drive.

You will need to install a new motherboard if you want to use your SATA drive. Once the optical drive is secured and connected, you can close up your computer and power it back on. Most hard drives will have the option for both Molex or SATA power connections, and you can use one or the other as you like. The two different types together look like this:.

You can then secure it in place using screws installed through the outside of the mounting rack into the side of the hard drive. Time to close up your case, power on, and get to configuring your new SATA hard drive for use.

Refer to our next guide in this series for a walk through of configuring your new hard drive. You now know how to plug a SATA hard drive into both your motherboard and power supply so that it is ready to be used. The next step is to configure the new hard drive in your operating system so that you can actually use it.

This involves powering your computer on, and clicking a few buttons in software. Have you replaced or installed a SATA hard drive before? If you found this guide helpful, or have any questions, feel free to drop us a comment below. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I accept the Privacy Policy. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible.

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If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. If your computer does not automatically detect your new drive, follow the steps below.

A new drive is often an upgrade to an existing system. It could be additional storage or a replacement for an existing drive. In either case, the physical procedures are the same as described above.

Since the operating system does not require a fresh installation, preparing your drive for use is easier. For additional storage in Windows, you can use the Disk Management utility. If you need to transfer your data sometimes called data migration or clone you can use the Seagate utility DiscWizard. A great first step is to download SeaTools diagnostic software. Seagate Partner Program Portal Provides access to product training, sales and marketing resources, deal registration, and more to our VARs, Integrators, Resellers and other channel partners.

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Logout Logout of your account. Detailed instructions for installing Serial ATA drives in your computer, including cabling, jumper, and operating system information, and troubleshooting problems that may arise. A Serial ATA interface cable sold separately, unless drive purchased as part of retail kit.

Maximum length is 39 inches 1 meter. A Serial ATA-compatible power cable or adapter sold separately, unless drive purchased as part of retail kit.

Handling Precautions Disc drives are fragile. Do not drop or jar the drive. Handle the drive only by the edges or frame.