How to install a second hard disk on a PC. Connect the second hard disk to the computer. HDD type definition

Buy an internal SATA hard disk. Do it if you have no such disk.

  • It is better to buy a hard drive made by the same company as a computer (for example, HP).
  • Some hard drives are incompatible with some computers. Before buying a hard disk, find the model of your computer and a hard disk model (for example, in the search engine, enter "HP Pavilion compatible with L3M56AA SATA") to find out whether they will work together.

Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power grid. Do not work with the internal components of the computer when it is turned on - so you can damage the components or get injured.

  • Some desktop computers are turned off within a couple of minutes. In this case, wait for the computer fans will stop working.
  • Open the computer case. This process depends on the computer model, so read the instructions for the computer or find the relevant information on the Internet.

    • In most cases, you will need a cruciform screwdriver.
  • Ground yourself . This will prevent accidental damage to the sensitive internal components of the computer (for example, the motherboard).

    Find a blank hard disk compartment. The main hard disk is installed in a special compartment of the computer case; Next to this compartment should have a similar empty compartment in which you install the second hard disk.

    Insert the second hard disk into the compartment. The compartment is under or over a compartment with the main hard disk. You need to insert the disk so that its side with connectors for connecting cables is directed inside the computer case.

    • In some cases, the disk must be fixed with screws.

    Council of the specialist

    Spike Baron is the owner of Spike "S Computer Repair. His company has more than 25 years of technology experience and specializes in repairing PC and Mac computers, sale of used computers, removing viruses, recover data and updating hardware and software. Has COMPTIA A + Certification and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.

    Network engineer and user support specialist

    Our expert agrees: "After open the case, install the hard drive in a specially designed compartment and secure it with screws. Then connect the power cord to the hard disk, and after the SATA cable (connect it to the hard disk, and the second to the free connector on the motherboard) ".

    Find the connector to connect the hard disk. Swipe the main hard disk cable to find out where on the motherboard there are connectors for connecting hard drives. (The motherboard is a large fee to which other boards and devices are connected.)

    • If the main hard disk cable looks like a wide thin tape, this is a hard drive IDE. In this case, you will need an adapter to connect the second hard disk to the motherboard.
  • Connect the second hard drive. One end of the cable is connected to the second hard disk, and the other to the connector on the motherboard (this connector is located next to the connector to which the main hard disk is connected).

    • If there is only IDE connectors on the computer's motherboard (connectors in a few centimeters long), buy the SATA-IDE adapter. In this case, connect the adapter to the motherboard, and the second hard disk cable to the adapter.
  • Connect the second hard disk to the power supply. One end of the power cable is connected to the power unit, and the other is the second hard disk.

    • As a rule, the power supply is in the upper part of the computer enclosure.
    • The power cable plug looks like a wider SATA cable plug.
  • Make sure all cables are connected securely and correctly. Otherwise, the operational system of the computer does not recognize the second disk.

    Connect the computer to the power grid and turn it on. Now you need to do so that the Windows recognize the second hard disk.

  • Open the Disk Management window. Right-click on the Start menu

    In the lower left corner of the screen, and then in the menu, select "Disc Control".

    • You can also click ⊞ Win + XTo open the menu.
  • Friends, I can explain to you in a nutshell why this happens, for example, you installed Windows 8 to one hard drive, and then Windows 7 to another, so the download of both operating systems commands Windows 8 and all files responsible for download are in it if You delete it or dismantle it on which it is installed, from the system, then Windows 7 you no longer download. Why? Because...

    1. The section from which the operating system boot is not active.

    2. Or the section from which the operating system is booting is active, but there are no operating system boot files. For Windows 7, 8 BootMGR file and boot folder with download configuration files (BCD).

    4. If you permanently disconnected one hard disk, then you can restore the load on the second disk Windows 7, 8.1, 10 in our article.

    5. Also you can produce.

    Note: EasyBCD 2.0.2 download manager is better to use if you have two or three operating systems installed on one hard disk.

    • If you want to install several operating systems on different hard drives with independent downloaders, then you need to do everything so that each installed Windows knows nothing about its neighbor on another hard disk installed in the same system unit. That's all. Another question, how to do it and how then control the download of the computer? Answer - yes very simple.

    Look at my working system unit, there are four hard drives in it and operating systems are installed on all hard drives, they all start and work being in the system unit together or one. None of the system has been installed special download managers: EasyBCD 2.0.2 or MULTIBOOT.

    SSD SiliconPower Solid State Drive (120GB) - installed Windows 8

    SSD ADATA SSD S510 Solid State Drive (60GB) - installed Windows XP

    SSD Kingston Hyperx 3K Solid State Drive (120 GB) - installed Windows 7

    Simple Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar Blue (250 GB) - installed Ubuntu Linux

    The secret is simple, install any operating system on your computer, then simply disconnect from the system unit a hard disk from this Windows and connect another hard disk, and install another operating system on it if you have a third hard disk, do justion with him. But now the most important thing is when you all install and connect all hard drives to the system unit, how to manage the loading of operating systems?

    If there are several hard drives in the system, the parameter appears in the BIOS (AMI) Hard Disk Drives.,

    And in bios (award) parameter Hard Disk Boot Priority,

    In BIOS UEFI Parameter Hard Drive BBS PrioritiesAll of them are responsible for the departure or priority of hard drives in the system.

    If in any of the above parameters is the first to be a specific hard disk, then the loading of the computer first will be the default to happen from it, since it is the main one. But to quickly change the priority of the hard disk, it is not necessary to climb each time in the BIOS and look for these parameters, it is possible to do everything easier.

    Click when downloading to the Delete or F8 key and enter the download menu, then using the arrow on the keyboard, select the hard disk with the operating system you need and click Enter, the Windows seal is downloaded.

    If you most often use some defined operating system, then you need to make it loaded by default.

    The load parameter No. 1 is the hard disk operating system on which is loaded by default first. Click on the parameter with the left mouse

    And in the menu that appears, choose a hard disk with Windows you need. For example, I will select SSD SiliconPower with installed Windows 8, as this is my main operating system.

    And Yes, the computer reboots and downloads Windows 8 on the SSD SiliconPower Hard Drive.

    If during the day I suddenly need Windows XP, then I reboot, click Delete, in the download menu and select a hard disk with Windows XP installed and that's it.

    Not all users of the personal computer acquire a device for the sake of productive video games, the rendering of video or processing 3D models. There are many people enough, use PCs exclusively for watching video, storage of photos and surfing on the Internet.

    For users, the main parameter in the computer will, the amount of internal memory. The more disk space, the more data can be stored, which is especially important if you watch the video in 1080p resolution and listen to music without compression. Thus, the average movie size can be about 20 gigabytes, and the size of one music file, at least 15 megabytes. What to say about video games that can reach 60 gigabytes in an unspecified form and more than 100 in the installed.

    A modern computer is simply obliged to have no mee of one terabyte of memory, otherwise, a person will constantly experience inconvenience associated with a shortage of memory. Let's figure out how to install multiple hard drives into a computer.

    What parameters must support the motherboard

    To acquire a new (MP) for the sake of a hard disk, of course, no one will, however, if MP is significantly outdated, it will still have to change it.

    Previously, hard drives were connected to the MP using the so-called IDE of the connector.

    To distinguish the IDE connector from the modern SATA, quite simple. An outdated connector is connected using a plume from a plurality of wires, while 2 thin wires are connected to the SATA connector, one to power, and the second for data transmission. If there is no SATA connector in the motherboard, a person will have to replace the motherboard.

    By purchasing a motherboard, the buyer should pay attention to the presence of SATA 3 standards and the number of SATA connectors. In addition, a person should pay attention to the power supply unit to have enough connectors to connect the power of SATA components.

    Choosing a hard disk

    Depending on how much on the motherboard there is SATA connectors, a person can purchase hard drives so much. There are motherboards and with 12 connectors for connecting hard drives, but for such a computer, you will have to purchase the corresponding power supply. First, it must have enough power connectors, and secondly, the power supply should have enough power to work so many components.

    If the computer's motherboard supports only the SATA 2 type, then the SATA 3 hard disk connected to this interface will operate with a slightly lower speed limited by the SATA 2 data exchange rate.

    When choosing a memory, it is desirable to purchase as a capacious drive as possible. Especially if MP is limited to 2 - 3 SATA connectors. However, if the buyer is not limited to the means, it can purchase a hard disk of the maximum capacity available. Although, of course, it is better not to store all the data on one drive.

    As a manufacturer, it is best to purchase those hard drives whose developing is engaged in well-known firms, such as Toshiba, WD and Seagate.

    A working computer makes a rather tangible noise, the source of which is the hard disk. Especially very much wait for the railway during reading or writing. Naturally, the more hard drives, the stronger the noise produced by the computer. Less rigid discs with a lower rotation speed of 5400 - 5,700 revolutions per minute. Unfortunately, the reduced speed of rotation, negatively affects the speed of work as a whole. In addition, if the computer is going to order or independently, then you should choose a high-quality body with anti-resonant properties. In order to completely get rid of noise, it is necessary to acquire SSD drives, but their cost is significantly higher than the cost of classical discs with a smaller capacity.

    A 250 GB SSD hard disk will cost as an ordinary railway station of 1 TB, but its data exchange rate is at times higher than ordinary hard drives. In the material "" is explained about the units of information.

    Before installing the new component, you must turn off the computer and remove both covers of the system unit. Get access to the motherboard, it is possible on the left side of the case. In the front of the housing there are several "Pockets" compartments, which are installed hard drives. The number of "pockets" depends on the body factor. The standard ATX form factor body on average has about four sites for the installation of the railway.

    The hard disk placed in the compartment is fixed with bolts on both sides of the system unit. Usually, the bolts come with a hard disk.

    Reliably fixed railway exercises significantly less noise. In addition, the hard disk has a mobile mechanism, because of which, poorly fixed item, due to constant oscillations, may be damaged.

    After installing the hard disk into the housing, it must be connected to the motherboard and power supply. Both connectors are similar, but it is impossible to connect the power to the data connector simply.

    Thus, a special SATA cable is connected to the hard disk, the other end of which is joined to the motherboard.

    Wires for power supply, connected directly from the power supply.

    After a successful connection, the computer is turned on as usual. Most often, after switching on, a means of adding a new device appears on the screen.

    If the hard disk has not been determined by the system, then you need to enter the menu " Control Panel", Further " system and safety"And" Administration", later " Computer Management", Then" Disk Management "and format a new volume.

    After formatting, click on the right mouse button not marked and select the item " Create a new volume».

    Thus, the ideal option can be considered a computer with 2 - 3 hard drives, the smallest of which will be assigned to the operating system (system disk).

    Mounted to the RDS computer will be displayed in "My Computer" as local disks.

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    The quality of the content is inexorably growing, which means it increases the size of the files. In this regard, an additional space may be required on the computer that can ensure reliable storage of your extensive library of audio and video files, heavy programs and many other things. In order not to change the current hard drive, it is enough to connect to it an additional, which will act as an auxiliary source of space.
    So, you have a system unit and a clear solution to install a second hard disk. This procedure is not so complicated to contact the service center, and, in principle, even a novice user can cope with its own.

    Connect the second hard disk to the computer

    Connecting an additional hard drive will differ depending on the connector of which interface you have on your computer: SATA or IDE. SATA is a modern interface, so in almost 100% of cases it is found in more or less fresh computers. The IDE, on the contrary, outdated, can be found in already old computers, but, fortunately, hard drives with IDE interface can still be found on sale.

    If you do not know how your computer is equipped with, before buying you will need to look under the system block case to get the necessary information.

    Opening of the system block case

    1. The structure of the system block enclosures may be different. For example, in one case, it is enough to unscrew (fold) and remove the side cover, in some it will be necessary to unscrew the 4 screws on the back side of the case and pull the housing.

    2. Hard disks are installed in specially designated cells, which in different variations of computers can be located differently: they can be located at the bottom, central or side. The picture below shows how they look about.

    3. To distinguish SATA and IDE connectors easy: since the IDE is an old interface, it has wide ports and high enough loops. It looks like this:

    SATA, on the contrary, a modern solution, which means it has a narrow port and a small loop.

    Knowing what an interface you have, you can buy a hard disk, and then it is connected.

    Connecting a hard disk to SATA

    Let's start using the connection of a more modern interface, as it is found in most cases.

    Before proceeding, be sure to turn off your computer and de-energize, disconnecting it from the outlet.

    1. Insert the hard disk into the free slot and secure it with screws.

    2. Now you should connect the SATA cable that is included with the hard disk. To this end, you connect it to your hard disk to any side, and connect to the motherboard.

    3. It remains to connect the hard drive to the power supply. In order from the power supply, as a rule, the coupler departs, which must be connected to the hard disk. If there is no free cables in the power supply, you will need to buy a splitter that makes two connector.

    4. Collect your computer, and then connect it to the network. On this connection of the second hard disk completed.

    Connecting hard disk to IDE

    Connecting a hard disk to the outdated interface is not very different, but still a somewhat different procedure.

    1. First of all, you will need to set the jumper on the contacts of the connected hard disk to one of the positions: Master or Slave. As a rule, the Master mode is the main on the operation of the hard disk and, most often, it is used for the hard drives from which the operating system is loaded. Slave is an additional mode used for auxiliary hard drives on which media files will be stored. Most often, the second hard disk is connected with such a goal, so install the jumper on the Slave mode.

    2. IDE loop, unlike SATA, has not two, but immediately three plugs for connecting. The blue plug, located at one end, indicates that it must be connected to the motherboard. From another end, as a rule, there is a black plug, which refers to the Master mode, and the white, which is approximately in the middle of the loop, is responsible for Slave mode.

    3. Insert the hard disk into the cell, and then secure it with screws.

    4. Free plug from the power supply You will need to connect to a hard disk, thereby providing it with food.

    5. Insert the required plug of the loop into the hard disk, depending on the hard disk mode, which you have chosen. The blue end of the hard disk connects to the motherboard.

    On this, the hard disk connection to the IDE interface is completed.

    Actually, there is nothing complicated in the independent connection of the hard disk. And by performing this procedure, after switching on your computer will determine the hard drive, and you can fill it with the necessary information.

    When a new HDD is purchased, a question arises how to connect the second hard disk to the computer. This is easy, but before you start work, you need to make sure that your system unit is not on warranty. The fact is that in order to set the second hard disk, you need to remove the side cover of the computer. It will break the seal and, accordingly, cancels the warranty. To avoid such a situation, you should contact the service center.


    If the guarantee has expired or missing, boldly remove the side wall. It is attached on two screws on the back of the PC. Be sure to turn off the computer and disconnect it from the network. Installing an additional hard drive is made only when the system is turned off. This is not a flash drive, and the HDD can simply fail.

    You need to explore the motherboard and place where the Winchester is already standing. Most modern computers have SATA connections. Trace where the cable already existing HDD is connected to the motherboard. Next to this connector should be at least one same. It will depend on the type of your motherboard. Large have up to 5-6 connectors, only 2 can be on small.

    If you are the owner of a standard motherboard type, then you just need to select a connection socket. If you have a combo (that is, small), then small difficulties may arise. The fact is that the first hard drive and optical drive can already be connected to the slots. And it may turn out that there is simply no other space to connect an additional hard disk. These are budget parents, and sometimes they do not provide for the ability to connect several hard drives. How to install two hard drive in this case? You just have to turn off the DVD-ROM to free up the port.

    If you have an old computer with the IDE connection type and remains only one slot, you have the opportunity to install two equipment for one loop. This can be both 2 HDD and a hard drive with an optical drive. When connected on one loop, it is desirable to follow the sequence in which the system disk will be connected to the MASTER connector, and an additional one will be connected to Slave. Master is an extreme connector on the loop, Slave is in the middle. In the instructions for the HDD, it must be specified in which position you need to install jumpers for one or another mode.

    After we found out where to connect the second hard drive to the computer so that it recognizes it, go to the next item. This washing the device with electricity. Carefully look at the wires that go out of the power supply. In the old system units, the type of IDE connections, in new - SATA. Some PCs have both types at the same time. If the hard drive has a SATA port, and in the power supply remained only IDE, you should not worry. You need to purchase an adapter from one type of connection to another.

    We learned from which connectors a second hard disk connects. Now it needs to be installed and fixed. Find where the first hard drive is. Depending on the size of your housing, there can be from one to three places for disks. If there are many places, it is advisable to connect two HDDs so that they are away from each other. Winchesters can be very hot during operation, and they need ventilation. The more free space around them, the better the ventilation will occur.

    In a small case, the installation of the second hard disk will mean that both Winchesters will warm up. Especially in the hot season. Therefore, it is desirable to purchase a cooling system for them. When connecting the second disk, do not forget that you need to fasten it to the cobblestone. Unlike solid-state disks, HDD has a mechanical part that can be easily damaged. When transporting the hard drive can fall out of the slot, and it will hurt not only it, but also, perhaps the motherboard.

    Second Winchester on Laptop

    Winchesters on portable computers do not possess the same large capacity as in stationary. And sometimes users want to increase the place, but the laptop does not provide a slot for an additional hard drive. in this case? This can be done by putting HDD instead of an optical drive.

    For this there are special adapters. Without them, it will not be possible to connect another hard drive, since the connectors from DVD-ROM and HDD are different. First of all, you need to find out the thickness of your drive. On different laptops, it may differ. The most common is 12.7 mm and 9.5 mm. You can find it like this:

    Use the program to diagnose equipment such as Everest or AIDA. View model optical drive and find the specification on the Internet. The manufacturer's website should indicate exact dimensions. Unscrew the drive and make a measure manually.

    After purchasing the adapter, you can start installing the hard drive. Disconnect the computer from the power and turn it off. You can only spin it in non-working condition. Pull out optical drive. In most cases, it is attached using 2-4 cogs.

    Take the adapter and remove the stop that is located on the opposite of the edges of the region. Some are trying to turn on the second disk by connecting it to the adapter under an acute angle. So you can break the contacts. Removable stop and needed to fix the hard disk. Then climb the hard drive to the contacts. Sometimes it is necessary to make an effort.

    After installing and fixing, fasten the bolts for a more rigid adapter connection with the disk. In order not to spoil the appearance of the laptop, you need to remove the front panel from the optical drive and consolidate it on the adapter for the hard disk. Gently insert the device in the laptop and put all the covers back. If everything was done correctly, a new hard disk will appear in the BIOS.

    Disc system settings

    You learned how to install the second hard drive in the PC. But this is not enough to fully work with him. Now it needs to be configured that the system recognizes it. After all, if the disk is new, it does not have marked areas and will not be displayed by the operating system. If you have installed Windows, this can be done by clicking on the "Disk Management" section. You can get into this menu by right-clicking on the "My Computer" icon and choosing the "Management" item.

    In the central bottom, all connected drives and their volume will be displayed. The new disk will have a label "not distributed". You need to click on this area with the right mouse button and click "Create a simple Tom". The "Setup Wizard" appears, following the instructions of which you define the space of the future disk, the file system and assign it the letter. Remember that two sections can not be assigned the same letters. So that you do not have to encounter an OS hang and a failure in the process, close all unnecessary programs. At the end of the procedure, a new hard drive will be displayed in the system.

    We examined in detail how to connect an additional hard disk to the computer. Viewing the video below or higher in the text, you can understand and consider incomprehensible moments in more detail.