How to Connect a SATA Hard Drive
SATA, or Serial ATA, is a computer standard for connecting the motherboard to an internal component or storage device such as a hard drive. SATA cables are smaller and more flexible than those for the older IDE standard, making them easier to work with and conducive to better airflow inside the case.
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Things You'll Need
- Small Phillips screwdriver
- SATA cable
- Hard-drive screws
- SATA-compatible power supply
Instructions
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1
Unplug your PC tower. Unhook all the components.
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2
Remove the right-side panel of your computer. The motherboard and internal peripherals will be in view.
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3
Search for an empty SATA port. SATA ports are usually brightly colored, "L"-shaped plastic with metal connectors on the side.
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4
Place your SATA hard drive in an empty hard-drive bay in the computer case with the connectors facing the motherboard. Screw the hard drive into the expansion bay to secure into place.
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5
Plug your SATA cable into the SATA port on the motherboard. These fit only one way, so it is impossible to plug it in backwards.
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6
Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the port on the back of the hard drive.
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7
Insert the SATA power cord into the back of the hard drive. The SATA power connector is a thin, rectangular slot lined with metal connectors on a cord attached to the computer power supply that connects to the hard drive next to the SATA plug.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a motherboard that supports IDE but not SATA, a converter will allow you to plug an IDE cable into a SATA hard drive.
