How to Combine Several Hard Drives Into a Port Multiplier

Connect multiple hard drives directly to your computer system.

A computer system only has a select number of internal hard drive connection points, so if you are looking to add additional drives to the computer you may need the help of a port multiplier. This port multiplier connects directly into the connection port on the computer's motherboard and splits off into two or more connections, allowing you to combine several hard drives into a single hard drive input.

Things You'll Need

• Internal hard drive
• Port multiplier
• Phillips screwdriver
• Driver installation CD

Instructions

1. Power down the computer, disconnect all cables and remove the Phillips screws on the rear of the system. Slide open the computer to expose the interior of the computer.

2. Find the current hard drive in your computer. On the rear of the drive is a cable connected directly to the motherboard. Follow this to the motherboard, then disconnect the cable from the board.

3. Plug the single end of the port multiplier into the now open connection port on the motherboard.

4. Insert the cable running from the current hard drive into one of the open connections on the port multiplier.

5. Slide the new hard drive into an open hard drive dock in the computer (typically located directly below the current hard drive), then plug the provided data/power cable into the hard drive. The opposite end of the cable inserts into the other free connection on the port multiplier.

6. Close up the computer case, tighten the Phillips screws, then plug the cables back into the computer. Power on the system, then insert the driver installation CD for the new hard drive. Click "Next" on the welcome page when the installation wizard loads, then follow the prompts of the installation wizard to completely install the additional hard drive on the port multiplier.

References

• Serial: Port Multiplier