The Easy way to Install a New Hard Drive

If you're computer is out of room, or is getting close, it's likely time to install a new hard drive.  As another option, installing another hard drive even if you have a drive already installed will let you build a raid computer.  Whatever the reason, the install is a really simple process that shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes.

• Step 1 - Checking for room

This step will require you look into your computer case and see if you have a free SATA plug to install the drive, additionally, you will need to see if you have a free power connection, any 4 prong power connection or SATA power connection will work.  Then you also need to make sure you have a free 3 inch small opening to mount the hard drive.  All these are pictured below to help you identify them.

If you don't have a free SATA power connection, you can use a regular 4 pin connection, just make sure you have an adapter as most of the new SATA drives only have a SATA connection, not the old 4 pin style.  The same can be said for a 3 inch drive bay.  If you don't have any free, but have a 5 inch opening, you can get an adapter to fit a 3 inch drive as well.

• Step 2 - Buying a new hard drive

Choosing a new hard drive isn't a big deal.  It's more about knowing a good vendor. Always read the comments of what people say about a drive before you pick one up. Currently, if you want a great hard drive, the black edition Western Digital drives are all I'm using.  They're super fast, priced great, and are super reliable.

When it comes to size, get the most you can without paying an arm.  Right now, 2TB seems to be the best price point.  Generally speaking, larger drives are fast as well, but if you're going with the drive I mentioned above, you'll be fine with any of them.

• Step 3 - The installation

There really isn't a whole lot you need to know to install a new hard drive.  Get a star screwdriver, in many cases you don't even need that.  Just a new drive.  Simply power off the computer and disconnect the power from the case before you begin, and remove the left panel.

Slide your new hard drive into a free drive bay, then secure it with screws that came with the hard drive, or often there are extra screws in the case.  If you don't have any, any local computer shop should have some for a couple of pennies.

Next connect the SATA power cable, and a SATA interface to the motherboard.
That's it, turn the computer on, once your Windows has booted up, you will just need to format the drive before you can use it.  If you don't know how to format, let me teach you how to format a hard drive.  If you'd like a step by step how to install a hard drive, follow the link and we'll get you set up.  As an alternative, you can watch me install a new hard drive into a new computer.

Install a New Hard Drive Video

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