How to Add a Hard Drive Modding

Though a computer will generally function adequately with a stock configuration, many computer enthusiasts take great delight in customizing their computers with various modifications and optional parts. One of the portions of a computer that can be easily modified is the hard drive; mods can be added to make the hard drive quieter, help keep it cooler, and even to allow it to be easily removed from the rest of the computer. The specifics of adding a mod to your hard drive will depend on the modification's purpose, but the basics of modding a hard drive will remain more or less the same regardless of what your mod will do.

Things You'll Need

• Non-magnetized Phillips-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Shut down and unplug the computer. Once you've unplugged it, press the power button once more in order to drain any remaining power from the computer's components and avoid accidental electric shock or damage to the computer.

2. Remove the screws on the back of the computer case that hold the left side panel in place. Slide the panel back once the screws have been removed and take the panel off.

3. Unplug the cables from the back of the hard drive that you're going to mod; there should be two cables (a power cable from the power supply and a data cable that connects to the motherboard). Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the hard drive in place and remove the drive from the computer case.

4. Apply your mods to your hard drive, making sure that you follow all instructions that came with the mod. Hard drive coolers and similar mods generally snap into place on the drive, while insulation designed to reduce noise and vibration may need to be affixed in specific points near where the screws attach to the drive when mounting it. Other mods may come in the form of cases or enclosures that the entire drive will plug into.

5. Mount the hard drive again once you have carefully applied your modification. Use the same screws that you had previously removed to secure the drive in place and replug the two cables in the same points they were removed from. Once the hard drive has been mounted and plugged in, replace the side of the computer case and plug in your computer once again.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to avoid touching sensitive components directly with your fingers.

• Keep yourself grounded in order to avoid potentially damaging static build-up.