How to Install Ribbon Cable

Install the ribbon cable on the interior of your computer.

The ribbon cable is used to connect interior hardware of your computer to the motherboard. The cable receives its name due to the wide, yet thin profile of the cable. The ribbon cable comes provided with any interior hardware you purchase and does not require much additional time to perform the installation, outside of opening up the case of the computer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Phillips screwdriver
• Ribbon cable

Instructions

1. Power down the computer, disconnect all cables from the desktop and remove the Phillips screws around the rear of the computer. Slide the computer case open to expose the interior of the computer.

2. Identify the hard drive, DVD drive or other internal hard drive that you want to connect the ribbon cable to. If you are installing a new drive for the first time, slide the drive into an available data port in the computer. These open ports are located at the front of the computer.

3. Connect one end of the cable into the connection port on the internal hardware. Push the cable in firmly to ensure the secure connection.

4. Plug the opposite end of the ribbon cable into the motherboard. If you are having trouble finding the connection port on the motherboard for the ribbon cable, follow the current ribbon cables from the other drives. This leads you to the connection ports. Insert the cable into any free port (if there are available expansion slots there are available connection ports on the motherboard). Push the cable in securely, then close up the computer case, attach the screws and plug the cables back into place.

References

• Major Custom Cable: Ribbon Cables