How to Install an IDE to SATA Converter

The red connectors on this motherboard are SATA connectors.

An IDE (integrated drive electronics) to SATA converter allows a connection between a hard drive or disc drive and the motherboard. The converter allows SATA drives to be connected to the IDE port on the motherboard, or IDE drives to be connected to SATA ports on the motherboard. The adapter is powered through the 4-pin floppy connector from the power supply unit.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• IDE to SATA converter

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

2. Unscrew the retaining screws that hold the side panels of the computer to the rest of the case, and set them aside. Remove the case side panel.

3. Connect the IDE to SATA converter into the IDE drive. One side of the converter has SATA connectors, and the other side has a 40-pin IDE connector. The 40-pin IDE connector side should be firmly inserted into the back of the IDE drive.

4. Connect the 4-pin floppy power cable from the power supply unit to the back of the IDE to SATA converter. The 4-pin floppy power cable is white and about half the size of the rest of the connectors.

5. Connect an SATA cable from the back of the IDE to SATA converter to the motherboard.

6. Complete the installation by replacing the computer's side panel and tightening the retaining screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Before opening the case, touch a piece of metal to discharge potentially harmful static electricity that may have built up inside.

References

• "Bi-Directional SATA IDE Converter Adapter Installation Guide"; Startech; 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish