How to Install a Serial ATA Controller Card in a Computer with PCI or PCI-X Slots

For many, hard drive storage is almost perpetually in short supply. People who own computers that employ a Serial ATA (SATA) bus with available PCI or PCI-X slots, however, are fortunate enough to have a variety of options that will allow them to increase their storage capacity exponentially.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with a SATA bus and at least one unused PCI or PCI-X slot
• PCI or PCI-X compatible SATA controller card (host adapter)
• Internal SATA hard drive
• One or more eSATA cables
• Grounding bracelet or strap

1. Select the type of SATA controller card that is needed. Depending on the particular model, SATA cards may only include ports to connect a certain number of internal drives, while others incorporate ports that allow for the addition of external SATA drives; a number of cards provide both. If, for example, you have unused, internal drive bays and would like to add one or more hard drives within your computer, a SATA card that offers internal ports would be ideal. Conversely, if you cannot install additional internal hard drives, selecting a card that offers ports for external storage would be the proper choice.
2. Disconnect the power and all other external connections from your computer. Be sure that you are wearing a grounding bracelet or strap to avoid emitting any electrostatic energy. Remove the cover from your computer; consult the documentation that is appropriate to your model.
3. Locate an unused PCI or PCI-X slot inside of your computer.
4. Hold your SATA card by its edges (be careful to avoid touching any of the electronics or gold "teeth"), align the strategically placed openings on the bottom of the card (the openings appear as if, in places, the gold "teeth" are missing) to those of the open slot. Guide the card into the open slot and press firmly until you feel a subtle "pop" as the card snaps into place.
5. If you intend to use additional internal storage, install your internal hard drive into an available drive bay and connect an unused power cable from your computer's power supply to the drive.
   
   
   If you have selected an external storage option, connect the unit's AC power cable to a surge protector or other power source.
6. If you have selected an internal hard drive, connect one end of your eSATA cable to an available internal data port on your SATA controller card and the other to the rear of your hard drive.
   
   
   If you have opted for an external solution, connect one end of your eSATA cable to the rear of your external hard drive. The other end will be inserted into the external portion of your SATA controller card, which will protrude from the back of your computer; it is best to perform this step, however, after you have replaced the cover of your computer.
7. Reattach the cover of your computer, and reconnect the power cable, along with any previously disconnected peripherals, to your system.
   
   
   For people who have chosen an external hard drive, attach the remaining end of the eSATA cable to the exposed portion of your SATA controller card on the back of your computer.
8. Install any additional drivers or other software in order for your card and hard drive to be recognized and perform properly. Any necessary software should be included in the packaging of its respective hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• The eSATA cable necessary will depend on your choice of either the addition of an internal or external SATA hard drive.
• Before opening your computer and handling any sensitive components, be sure that you are wearing a grounding bracelet or strap to avoid emitting electrostatic energy and potentially damaging your equipment.