How to Install IDE Cables for a PC

IDE drives were the standard of computer drives for many years; it's only recently that SATA drives have begun to take their place. IDE drives are easy to install once you understand a few basic ideas about their setup and use. IDE drives can be any number of types--hard drives, DVD or CD drives or several less common types.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Configure your jumpers for the drive's position. Your options are Cable Select (if your drive and computer support it), Master or Slave. If the drive will go on the end of the IDE ribbon cable, then it will be a Master; if it goes in the middle, it will be the Slave.

2. Mount your IDE hard drive into a drive bay. Make sure you use all four screw spots so your drive can spin securely.

3. Plug in your IDE ribbon cables. Make sure you position them according to the Master/Slave setting you set earlier. Most modern IDE cables are set to one connect in one orientation, but if yours isn't, then make sure to direct the red stripe on the IDE cable towards the power connector on the drive.

4. Connect your power supply to the drive. IDE drives use a 4-pin power connector and any of them from the supply will work.