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Assembly

  1. Assembly Environment

  2. Prepare Case

  3. Install Motherboard

  4. Install Processor

  5. Install RAM

  6. Install Hard Drive

  7. Install Video Card

  8. Install other cards

  9. Install CD/DVD Drive

  10. Connect wires

  11. Check all connections

  12. Close case and turn on

  13. Software Installation

  14. Finishing Up

 


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Assembly

6. Install the Hard Drive

This will probably be one of the most difficult steps of the installation, but luckily, as long as you comprehend everything and find a nice place for the hard drive then it will go by very easily.

In this step I'll explain the function of the IDE Cable, how many devices can be attached, and the Master/Slave relationship between two devices on one cable.  After you learn that you'll be able to install the hard drive and you'll also be ready to install the other drives later on.

The IDE Ribbon Cable: IDE Ribbon Cable

The IDE Cable, pictured right, allows you to attach certain devices to the motherboard.  Some of the most common devices that are attached using these cables are the CD/DVD drive, Hard Drive, and Iomega Zip or Jaz drives.  It does matter which devices are on the same cable, and which are connected to the primary plug on the motherboard so read closely.

The motherboard will have two plugs that the IDE cable can connect to.  Each IDE cable has 3 connectors, one for the motherboard (pictured above in blue), and two for any devices such as the CD/DVD drive, hard drive, etc.  Also, all devices will have the option of being the Master or Slave .  What this means is that the master will have priority over the slave for using the processor.  If this is at all confusing please refer to this Website for a more in depth explanation.

Now that you know all that, let's explain which devices should have first priority.

Since your hard drive is where you run all your programs from and store all your important information, it should be set as the master and put on the primary connector on the motherboard.  Depending on the brand of your hard drive (hopefully Western Digital), you'll need to refer to the manual to see what the jumper setting should be.  That depends on one thing, whether there is going to be another device on that same cable.  If there is, then the jumper is usually in the middle, if not, the jumper is usually completely removed.

Look at the picture below to see the rows of pins under the "jumper setting" box.  There are two rows of six pins, this is where you will make the setting.  Again, refer to the manual that came with your hard drive since the settings can differ between companies as well as models.

Hard Drive Jumper Settings

With a standard motherboard this makes a total of 4 devices you can connect.  If you plan on having two CD or DVD drives then you will definitely want to attach those on separate IDE cables to reduce any problems that could be encountered while copying a CD.

Example:

So for a hypothetical example let's say you have a DVD burner, a spare CD drive, a hard drive, and a Zip drive.  The hard drive will be the master on the primary IDE cable with the spare CD drive as the slave.  This is the only option because the DVD burner, being a higher end drive, would need priority in having access to the processor, thus making it the master on the secondary IDE cable.  So on the secondary IDE cable would be the master, DVD burner, and the slave, the Zip drive.  Refer to the diagram below for a visual explanation.

Hard Drive and CD Drive Installation Diagram

Once you understand this, the only limitation is the physical distance between devices and making sure the IDE cable will reach every device; that's why it pays to plan out where you will be installing everything.

Installing the Hard Drive:

Ok, now that you know all that, you'll need to find a good place to put your hard drive.  Keep in mind that the IDE cable is only so long, so it would be a good idea to measure the distances between the two devices that will be on the same cable, making sure everything will fit.

Touch the case!   Remember, if you're not using a static wristband then make sure you are always touching the case while handling electronic components.  I usually just make sure my forearm is touching the perimeter of the case.

Since the hard drive is where all the information on a computer is stored it will be used quite a bit and therefore will generate a good amount of heat.  That's why it's important to place it where it will Hard Drive Rack get plenty of ventilation.  If you look at the open case on the right, you'll notice the rack on the right side where all the devices will be secured.  The hard drive typically goes on the bottom of this rack to provide plenty of ventilation.  If you have two hard drives, make sure not to put them right on top of each other, leave at least an inch of space between the two.

The best way to situate the hard drive in there is to orient it so the pins and plug are facing towards the inside of the computer.  Take your hard drive and slide it towards the front of the computer into the rack I mentioned.  Now just make sure that the holes in the side of the hard drive align with the holes in the rack.  Hard drives usually require large thread screws but if those don't seem to go in very easily, then just try small thread screws to see if that works better.  Use 2 screws to secure the side of the hard drive that's facing you.  It isn't usually necessary to use 2 screws on the other side as well, but you can if you want.

Your hard drive is ready

Now you can Install the Video Card (Step 7)

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