How to Add an Extra Sata Hard Drive Via the PCI

Modern hard drives have a Serial ATA (SATA) interface. SATA devices are connected to special connectors on a computer motherboard. A typical motherboard has four to six SATA connectors. But that number might not be enough if, for instance, you need to set up a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration with three or more SATA hard drives as well as add several SATA DVD drives. The solution is to install an expansion Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card to provide additional SATA connectors.

Things You'll Need

• PCI SATA (RAID) Card
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screws (4mm)
• SATA hard drive
• SATA data cable

Instructions

1. Switch off the computer.

2. Remove the screws that fasten the side panel of the computer case and slide the panel to open the case.

3. Locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Insert the PCI SATA card into the PCI slot and secure the card with a Phillips-head screw.

4. Slide the SATA hard drive into the 3.5-inch bay and secure the hard drive with Phillips-head screws.

5. Snap one end of the SATA cable into the PCI card connector. Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the hard drive SATA connector. Note that the SATA cable has two identical 7-pin connectors.

6. Connect the 15-pin connector from the power supply unit (PSU) to the SATA hard drive.

7. Close the side panel of the computer case and fasten it with screws.

8. Switch on the computer. The system will automatically detect the new SATA hard drive.

References

• "Building a PC in Easy Steps"; Stuart Yarnold; 2007

Resources

• PCI SATA card
• SATA data cable