How do I Install a Western Digital Internal SATA Hard Drive?

SATA hard drives are connected with special sockets on one end.

Installing a SATA hard drive is a relatively simple process, but a few steps are not obvious. For example, Western Digital recommends writing your hard drive's information down before installation.

Preparation

Western Digital recommends that you always record the critical information regarding the hard drive in a place where it can be accessed outside of the computer. This information is the serial number, model number and date code. This is vital in case you ever need support on the drive and wish to avoid removing it from the computer.

Hard Drive Mounting

Before working inside a computer case, always discharge any static electricity on your body. Either touch a grounded metal surface or use an anti-static wrist strap. Open the computer case and look for a 3.5-inch drive bay. If you have a choice of multiple bays in which to install the drive, choose the bay that will facilitate the best airflow through the case. Slide the hard drive into the bay you have chosen and secure it in place using the screws provided with the hard drive.

Connecting the Hard Drive

SATA hard drives are connected with a SATA cable.

Connect the hard drive to both a power source and a data connector. Both of these connectors will be specific to SATA drives. The power connector will run from the power supply unit, and the data connector will be a cable packaged with the hard drive or motherboard. If using this hard drive as the primary drive in your computer, be sure it is plugged into the correct jack on your motherboard. The correct jack configuration can be determined by looking at the owner's manual for the motherboard.

References

• Western Digital: Western Digital Serial ATA Hard Drive Installation Guide