Not all users personal computer they purchase a device for productive video games, video rendering or 3D model processing. Quite a lot of people use PCs exclusively for watching videos, storing photos and surfing the Internet.

For such users, the main parameter in the computer will be the volume internal memory. The more disk space, the more data you can store, which is especially important if you watch videos in 1080p resolution and listen to music without compression. Thus, the average size of a film can be about 20 gigabytes, and the size of one music file can be at least 15 megabytes. What can we say about video games, which can reach 60 gigabytes in an uninstalled form and more than 100 when installed.

A modern computer simply must have at least one terabyte of memory, otherwise a person will constantly experience inconvenience associated with a lack of memory. Let's figure out how to install several hard drives to the computer.

What parameters should the motherboard support?

Buy a new one (MP) for hard drive, of course, no one will, however, if the MP is significantly outdated, then it will still have to be changed.

Earlier, hard disks connected to the MP using the so-called IDE connector.

It is quite simple to distinguish an IDE connector from a modern SATA connector. An outdated connector, connected using a cable of many wires, while to SATA connector, 2 thin wires are connected, one for power, and the second for data transmission. If in motherboard There is no SATA connector, a person will have to replace the motherboard.

When purchasing a motherboard, the buyer should pay attention to the availability of SATA 3 standards and the number of SATA connectors. In addition, a person must pay attention to ensure that the power supply has enough connectors to connect power to SATA components.

Selecting a hard drive

Depending on how many SATA connectors are on the motherboard, a person can purchase as many hard drives. There are motherboards with 12 connectors for connecting hard drives, but for such a computer you will have to purchase an appropriate power supply. Firstly, it must have enough power connectors, and secondly, the power supply must have enough power to operate so many components.

If the computer motherboard only supports SATA 2 type, then HDD SATA 3 connected to this interface will operate at a slightly lower speed, limited by the SATA 2 data rate.

When choosing the amount of memory, it is advisable to purchase the most capacious drive possible, especially if the MP is limited to 2 - 3 SATA connectors. However, if the buyer is not limited in funds, he can purchase a hard drive with the maximum capacity available on sale. Although, of course, it is better not to store all data on one drive.

As a manufacturer, it is best to purchase hard drives that are developed by well-known companies, such as Toshiba, WD and Seagate.

A running computer makes quite a noticeable noise, the source of which is the hard drive. The hard drive is especially noisy when reading or writing. Naturally, the more hard drives, the louder the noise emitted by the computer. Hard drives with a lower rotation speed of 5400 - 5700 rpm are less noisy. Unfortunately, the reduced rotation speed negatively affects the overall speed of operation. In addition, if the computer is assembled to order or independently, then you should choose a high-quality case with anti-resonance properties. In order to completely get rid of noise, you need to purchase SSD drives, but their cost is significantly higher than the cost of classic disks with lower capacity.

Hard SSD drive with a capacity of 250 GB will cost the same as an ordinary 1 TB HDD, but its data exchange speed is several times higher than ordinary hard drives. The material "" explains about the units of measurement of information.

Before installing a new component, you must turn off the computer and remove both covers system unit. You can access the motherboard from the left side of the case. In the front of the case there are several compartments “pockets” into which hard drives are installed. The number of “pockets” depends on the form factor of the case. A standard ATX form factor case on average has about four pads for installing hard drives.

The hard drive placed in the bay is secured with bolts on both sides of the system unit. Typically, bolts are included with the hard drive.

A securely fixed hard drive produces significantly less noise. In addition, the hard drive has a moving mechanism, which is why a poorly secured part can be damaged due to constant vibrations.

After installing the hard drive into the case, it must be connected to the motherboard and power. Both connectors are similar, but it is simply impossible to connect power to the data connector.

Thus, a special SATA cable is connected to the hard drive, the other end of which is connected to the motherboard.

Wires for powering the hard drive are connected directly from the power supply.

After a successful connection, the computer turns on in normal mode. Most often, after turning on, a tool for adding a new device appears on the screen.

If the hard drive is not detected by the system, then you need to enter the menu “ Control Panel", Further " system and safety" And " Administration", Then " Computer management", then "Disk Management" and format the new volume.

After formatting, you should right-click on the unmarked space and select “ Create a new volume».

Thus, the ideal option is a computer with 2 - 3 hard drives, the smallest of which will be allocated for the operating system (system drive).

Hard drives installed on your computer will appear in “My Computer” as local drives.

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Hi all! Recently, a friend of mine asked me how to connect a second hard drive to a computer or laptop. In general, without hesitation, I decided to write an article about this for you. I say in advance that if something doesn’t work out for you, write about it in the comments, I will help. Now let's begin.

How to find out what hard drive is in your computer

In general, initially, those who have a lot of information stored and no longer have enough disk space connect a second hard drive to a laptop or computer. Personally, I store all the necessary data on removable media, be it a flash drive or a pocket. But in our case, we will figure out how to connect a second hard drive to a computer without a specialist.

First, let's disconnect all the power cables from the computer and unscrew the side cover; this can be done by taking a screwdriver and unscrewing the four bolts. We look at the picture where they are located and how the side cover of the system unit is removed.

Please note that hard drives in the system unit can be located on a special shelf or cell, in the center or at the bottom of the unit. Install the second hard drive not next to it, but across the cell; this should be done to ensure good cooling.

Before purchasing a hard drive, it is important to know what connection interface your drive has. This could be an IDE connector with a wide cable and a plug, or it could also be SATA, it’s not difficult to distinguish it, the cable itself is narrow and the plug is small. SATA connectors are the most popular now and such drives will not be difficult to buy.

If your motherboard and hard drive have a SATA connector, then you can connect it in a couple of minutes. First, we fix our hard drive into the cell and connect the sata wire from the drive to the motherboard to it.

Now we take our sata cable and connect this wire from either side, you can’t go wrong, don’t worry. Connect the second end of the wire to motherboard.

Just so you know, all motherboards have at least two sat connectors, you can see them in different places and they look like this.

Now let's connect the power cable from the hard drive to the power supply.

Please note that SATA and IDE connectors are also different, and if your plugs do not match, then you should buy an adapter that looks like this.

Now we connect the power cable to the hard drive.

Now we have everything ready, the second disk is connected. You can safely close the lid, tighten the bolts and download the toys to your computer, there is enough memory for everyone.

Video on the topic

If something didn’t work out for you, write to me in the comments, I will be happy to help everyone. Bye!

Today there was some kind of computer quiz on the radio. The prize is an 8 GB flash drive. Question: what is the name of the place where everything is stored? computer memory? Possible answers: driver, clipboard or hard drive (yes, the announcer read exactly hard drive). Let's talk about hard drives X.

Many people ask: how to connect a second hard drive to a computer? If we are talking about modern computer and a SATA screw, then there are no problems: turn off the computer, secure the hard drive with 4 bolts, insert the power cable and the SATA cable. Plug the second end of the cable into any free port of the motherboard and turn on the computer. In general, it is better to print this article and store it on paper, because if you need to read it, the computer will be turned off.

If hard IDE drives , you will have to dance a little with a tambourine, or rather with a jumper.

IDE hard drives can coexist on one computer only under the condition of subordination: one must be the main one (master), the rest must be subordinates (slave). This is established using a jumper - a tiny plastic “key” that closes certain contacts.

The details of jumper installation are always indicated either on the top cover of the hard drive (the sticker should contain the inscription Jumper Settings or similar), however, there are cases when the jumper positions are indicated directly on the board next to the contacts.

Please don't change jumper position and do not disconnect (connect) the hard drive while the computer is on! And don’t say later that I didn’t warn you.

Just in case: the hard drive with the operating system and programs must be “Chatlanin”, and music, films and other documents can safely live on “patsak”.

The dancing with the jumper is over, let's move on to the train. On one side there is one connector - it is intended ONLY for the motherboard. Insert it carefully into the corresponding slot on the motherboard, as shown in the figure.

Attention! Insert IDE cable The connector on the motherboard can only be inserted on one side: the “key” must fit into the groove. On the other hand, there is no groove and the insertion will not only be incorrect (it will lead to undesirable consequences), but also problematic.

There are two connectors at the other end of the cable. Important! At the far end of the cable there must be a main hard drive, the jumper of which is set to master. The near connector, accordingly, is only for the slave.

Finally there was food left. The 4-core cable ends with a connector that is connected with characteristic notches at the top; plugging in the power with the reverse side is very problematic.

Many thanks to the members of the Subscribe group “Computer Literacy” Sergei and Elena (Kazak7 and Greta*) for their comments, thanks to which the article found a logical continuation. Sometimes the comments contain a lot useful information. Good luck with all your connections!

Windows Registry

In the information age in which we live, the area for storing this very information is almost critical component. In this regard, many are faced with the need to obtain more free space on your laptop or computer. There are questions like “Do I need an additional hard drive? How to install it? We will try to answer these and other questions in this article.

How to install an additional hard drive on a computer?

PC or laptop

When installing a brand new hard drive, the first (and main) question will be the type of device whose memory is expandable. If you have a PC, the procedure will be a little faster and easier, but do not despair if you are the owner of a laptop: for laptop computers things are not as bad as they might seem at first glance.

PC

If you have a full-size PC and you don't know how to install an additional hard drive on your computer, the following instructions will help you:

1. Determine the type of power supported by your power supply. They come in 2 types: SATA (looks like a narrow flat cord, usually red, with an L-shaped connector) or MOLEX (has a massive 4-pin connector). Most likely you have SATA, since MOLEX is technically and morally outdated. In any case, there are a great variety of adapters, and you can use them if necessary.
2. Determine the type of connection to your computer's motherboard. It can also be a SATA connector (similar to power, but has a different width) or IDE (a very wide and thin cable). The latter is also outdated, but still occurs.
3. Decide on the type of memory and amount you need. This could be HDD or SSD. The key differences are speed, volume and price. Thus, HDDs are cheaper and much more capacious, while SSDs are an order of magnitude faster. The best companies for HDD – Seagate and Western Digital, among SSDs are Samsung and Intel.
4. Install the new purchase into a special connector in your computer, screw it with the screws usually included in the kit, and connect the necessary connectors. Of course, all manipulations must be performed with the power supply disconnected from the network.

After completing these steps, simply boot your computer as usual, format the additional hard drive (via “My Computer”) and use it like a regular hard drive.

Laptop

If you want to know how to install an additional hard drive not on a PC, but on a laptop, you have to do the following:

1. Choose and buy a memory storage device that suits you, guided by point 3 of the previous section. Please note that hard drive mobile computers has a smaller form factor.
2. Buy a drive-to-hard drive adapter; they are sold at any computer store. Typically, such adapters have a standard size.
3. Unscrew the screw securing the drive and carefully remove it from the laptop case. Then insert the new HDD (or SSD) into the adapter, aligning the power and interface connectors, insert the adapter and secure with the fixing screw.
4. Turn on your PC, format the additional hard drive and use it for its intended purpose

If your new hard drive doesn't show up

In the case where the new device could not be installed, that is, Windows simply “does not see” it, you need to first of all check whether the device itself is included in BIOS settings. Also, the memory configuration settings may be incorrectly set in the BIOS (must be AHCI). Adjust your settings and try again. It is also possible that the root of the problem is poor cable connections. Check all joints, including those on adapters. If there is dirt or signs of corrosion, wipe the contacts with an eraser and connect again. If after that the additional hard drive does not work, then most likely you are out of luck and you bought a defective one. Feel free to take your purchase back to the store or service center, they will help you.

How to take care of your memory

Like any thing, memory requires care. To avoid an early breakdown of your new device, it is recommended to regularly clean up temporary files and carry out equally regular defragmentation. Utilities for these actions, including free ones, are easy to find on the Internet. By devoting 10-30 minutes a month to your drive, you can extend its “life” by months and years.

Many PC users are acutely aware of the lack of memory on their computer. Some people transfer information to various drives, while others decide to connect an additional hard drive. In order to avoid calling a technician or going to a service center with the system unit, many people decide to connect a second hard drive themselves. And this is where the problems begin. The Land of Soviets will tell you how to connect a second hard drive to your computer.

You can connect not only a new hard drive, but also a hard drive from any other computer. The operating algorithm will be the same in both cases. But not everyone simply knows how to properly connect a second hard drive so that the computer recognizes it immediately. Many people do not succeed right away, so these people go to a store or service center, proving that the second hard drive does not work. But in fact, as it turns out, the computer simply did not see the hard drive. And there are reasons for this.

Before you connect the hard drive, you need to figure out how you want to do it. Some computers are equipped with a so-called "pocket" (this can be installed in service center, having previously asked about it, or when manually assembling the computer). In order to connect a second hard drive to all other computers, you will have to climb into the middle of the system unit. The essence of connecting to either a “pocket” or in the usual way- is the same. The second hard drive is connected to the cable, and the computer recognizes it as a built-in drive E or F.

2 hard drives for a computer

So, now it’s worth talking about what many people forget to do before connecting the hard drive - rearranging the jumper. A jumper is a jumper that is located on the contacts of the hard drive. What is a jumper for?

Jumpers are used to indicate on the hard drives themselves which of them will operate in Master mode and which as Slave. operating system always loaded into the leading hard drive. This means that when you connect a second hard drive in Slave mode, the OS will not boot from it. All hard drives that computers are equipped with are in Master mode. Therefore, all additionally connected hard drives must operate in Slave mode. This is precisely what many PC users do not take into account and connect a second hard drive, which also operates in Master mode.

So, having set the jumper to Slave mode on the hard drive being connected, connect it to the cable inside the system unit. If you have a pocket, then the connection occurs from the outside. Now you can simply boot your computer. It should automatically detect the second hard drive. To be safe, when booting your computer, go to the BIOS (on different OSes this is the F2 or Delete key). From the Boot menu, select correct parameters for each of the hard drives. To do this, set the connected hard drive to Second Boot Device mode.

In addition to the Master and Slave modes, the jumpers can be set to the Cable Select position. To connect a hard drive in this mode, you will need a Y-shaped cable. The central connector of this cable is connected to the motherboard. The extreme connectors of the cable are connected to the drives. These connectors are unequal, i.e. one disk automatically becomes the master, the second - the slave. This information is indicated on the cable connectors. Please be warned that when using such a cable, both hard drives must be set to Cable Select mode.

Where jumpers should be placed to set this or that mode is written in detail on the sticker on the hard drive itself. Also, the same information is indicated on one side of the connector, which simplifies the search for the necessary contacts to which the jumper must be placed.

The connection described above additional hard drive used for IDE disks. There are also SATA drives. In this case, you will need a special cable to connect the drive to the motherboard. Only one device can be connected to one socket. If you use both IDE and SATA drives on your computer, go to the BIOS to designate the main drive from which the computer will boot.

Connecting an additional hard drive may seem difficult only in words. In practice, everything happens very quickly. We hope that now you know how to connect a hard drive to your computer.