How to Set Up SCSI Drives

The small computer system interface (SCSI) is a specification for how computer hard drives store and transfer information. SCSI hard drives use a different jumper pin configuration than standard integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard drives. To set up an SCSI hard drive in your computer, you will need to make sure that you have the jumper pins set to the right specification. Unlike with other types of computer devices, the pin configuration will change depending on how many SCSI devices you are using.

Things You'll Need

• SCSI host adapter card
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Read the manual that came with your computer or navigate the support section of your computer manufacturer's website. Find out if your computer's motherboard has SCSI capabilities or if you will need to buy a separate SCSI host adapter card.

2. Shut down your computer's operating system. Reach behind the machine and disconnect the power cord and each of the other cables.

3. Set the computer on a solid work surface and then lay the entire case onto its side so that the left panel is facing upward. Check the back end of the case to find out if your computer uses standard case screws or a metal latching mechanism.

4. Unlock the case panel by removing the screws or pulling up on the metal latch. Remove the panel from the case so that the motherboard is visible.

5. Release the built-up static electricity in your body by touching something made of metal that is grounded to the floor.

6. Set the SCSI host adapter into one of the available PCI card slots at the left end of the computer if the motherboard is not already SCSI-compatible.

7. Examine the jumper pins on the back end of the SCSI hard drive. Check the manual that came with the hard drive to find out which configuration corresponds to which jumper setting.

8. Arrange the jumper pins into the configuration marked either as "Master" or "0" if you are not using an SCSI host adapter and you will only be using a single SCSI hard drive. Arrange the pins into the "Slave" or "1" configuration if you are using a host adapter card or you already have another SCSI hard drive installed in the computer.

9. Put the jumper pins into the next available configuration if you have multiple hard drives installed. For example if you are installing a third SCSI hard drive set the pins to the "3" configuration.

10. Put the SCSI hard drive into one of the available metal drive bays at the upper-right corner of the computer case. Plug the cable that came with the hard drive either into the host adapter card or the SCSI port on the motherboard.

11. Slide the side panel back onto the computer case. Push down on the metal latch or reconnect the case screws if your computer uses them. Plug back in the power cord and the other cables.

Tips & Warnings

• Most SCSI compatible motherboards are capable of handling up to eight SCSI devices. Remember that if you are using an SCSI host adapter card the number is reduced to seven, as the card counts as an SCSI device.

References

• Installing SCSI Hard Drives
• SCSI Device Guide