How to connect two SATA hard drives. How to put a second hard drive

How to connect two SATA hard drives. How to put a second hard drive

19.03.2021

Even a large disk space during continuous operation on the computer can end. You can delete files and programs, freeing a bit of space, but this is a temporary output from the situation. You can replace the hard drive, then you will need to re-install the OS and configure the computer. It is easier to connect a second disc, which will significantly increase disk space for photos, games and movies.

Buy a hard drive of sufficient capacity and an SATA information cable for connecting it in a computer technology store. The volume of the disk depends on the user's desire, but it is better not to save and purchase a non-less terabyte disk so that it does not have to think again about increasing memory. The hard disk of the modern computer is most often connected using the SATA interface. IDE format was used on computers until 2000. For confidence in the compatibility of the disk and motherboard, consult the seller or read the instructions for the computer. Fully disconnect the computer and all its additional devices from the power supply. Put the system unit on the side and remove its sidebar. Consider the motherboard. On modern fees there may be several SATA controllers, up to 6 pieces. An IDE connector may be missing or used to connect a CD / DVD drive. In the search for the necessary controllers, the computer board scheme will help you.


New Winchester install in a special basket at a sufficient distance from another so that they do not come into contact and did not overheat. If there are three "sockets" for hard drive, put in 1 and 3, and 2 between them for ventilation. Secure the disk with four screws. Connect one end of the SATA plume (does not matter which value) to the hard disk, and the second to the found SATA controller on the motherboard. The second hard drive is connected.


If there is no SATA connector on the power supply, then you need to buy an IDE- SATA adapter. Connect the new hard drive to the power supply: Among the multiple power supply wires, find the SATA wire. It is impossible to confuse, since only it is suitable for the Winchester, or set the IDE- SATA adapter. Connect it to the new device connector. Now the second hard disk is set completely.


If the RAM bar interfers to install the second hard drive in a special basket and you removed it, then put it in place. Secure the side wall of the system unit with fastening screws. Turn on the computer and all peripheral devices.


Wait for the full boot of the operating system. It will automatically detect a new external memory device and prompt to format the disk in the NTFS format. If this did not happen - open the "Computer" folder in the "Explorer", click on the new disk with the right mouse button and select the "Format" command in the menu. If the new local disk appears, then find it using the "Main Menu" panel section, which opens with the "Start" button.


Increased temperature can cause rapid wear of the hard disk surface. If there is no possibility to divide the hard drives with space, that is, one output is to supply the second fan to cool the drives. If all SATA controllers on the board are busy, then buy a PCI controller with SATA connectors to connect the second disk.

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P Wait with you as I solved the task associated with my iron. He worked, worked ... and there was not enough space. Thought how to install the hard on your computer Acer AX3910? There are not enough connectors for it.
For several years I have been using this computer and honestly for you, he never let me down, it works super reliably, quickly and most importantly, that I like it, this is his noiselessness. Works like a laptop. It is standing on the table and it is not even heard.

Engineers looking for an economical alternative to serial began to use parallel compounds. Over the years, the standard has changed significantly. This is not a controller: it is correctly called the "host adapter". Social networks continue to grow rapidly. Every year we learn new things about what works and that fails.

Your computer has two basic types of memory: memory on hard disk and RAM, and they perform separate functions. Techniques are called a non-volatile hard disk storage, because the data remain when the computer is turned off. Traditional hard drives constantly record data in tiny magnetic fields on rotating metal plates; A newer solid-state drive technology does not have moving parts, instead uses flash memory for storing files.

Installing the second hard disk to the ACER AX3910 computer.

Before this model used the same desktop computers, the same brand, only less powerful and with a smaller hard disk. As they were operating, the need for a faster processor and a more voluminous disk gesture appeared. This model is operating for more than two years and is not going to change yet. Except that there was not enough space on the hard disk.

Random Access Memory is a high-speed temporary storage area in which running programs are stored on your computer, open documents and intermediate results of computing and file processing. This is useful if your programs require a large amount of memory. He also contributed to the book "Nanotechnology: Molecular reflections on global abundance". It also allows you to create redundancy to protect against data loss if your main hard drive does not work. Hard disks are supplied in two versions: external and internal.

Computer Parameters:

For an additional place for storing information, I have been using an external hard disk "WD Elements". The brand is not known to me, produced in Thailand.

This HDD with the USB3 connector, the data transfer rate is very high that I did not even need an increase in the built-in hard disk.

Then see the cables connected to the existing disk. One will be the power connector, and the other will be the data connector. The power connector is sent to the power source of the computer, and the data connector is to the motherboard. Also check if there is a free space to connect the second disk on one tape cable. If not, you will need to install the second ribbon cable in the second socket of the controller controller on the motherboard, assuming it is available.

How to install the second hard disk

What to do? I decide to urgently install an additional hard disk in 1 TB., Leaving a native disk under the system of the same manufacturer, without reinstalling the system and without changing anything. Bought for 3820 rubles. And knowing that in this compact package there is no, I decide to put it instead of CD / ROMA, and CD / ROM use external, with a connected via USB connector. Not so often he needs now. Yes, and on the motherboard, there are only two SATA connector for disks.

Installing software to an external disk

  • Make sure your original disk and your new disk are connected simultaneously.
  • The automatic installation will now begin.
  • Run all available software updates.
Keep in mind that the use of an external drive can cause all sorts of problems.

How to determine the thickness of the device

I know two types of optical drives used on laptops that differ thick with each other. "Fat" has a height of 12.7 mm, and "thin" - 9.5 mm. Determine the thickness of the installed device you can not disassemble the laptop. To do this, at first, look at the Device Manager and see the product model.

All you do is searching the location option during the installation process. By this time, it is too late to install them on another hard disk if you do not want to pass and delete and reinstall programs separately. However, you cannot simply drag the program folders to another disk. What you have to do is create a so-called symbolic link. It is a bit similar to shortcuts on programs, folders and websites that clog the desktop, but they are more powerful.

No need to resort to complex teams, although there is a simple and free utility that does everything for you. Select "Custom Setup" and release all additional features. When you install any software, it always asks where you want to save it. It has two halves and divides them in the middle - the icon column.

I have this OPTIARC AD-7580S. Now visit any popular Internet resource selling similar products or Yandex.Market and let's see the characteristics of the device.


As we see the thickness of the device, according to the description, is 13 mm (taking into account the rounding, in reality 12.7 mm).

We need to select source folders and destination. Make sure that they are all marked. Now programs are started from the hard disk. At some point, the hard disk space becomes scarce, and it is time to transmit data to an external hard drive. Or maybe you need an external hard disk to create backup copies?

Connect an external hard disk

Before buying a disc, refer to the computer to connect external media. Please pay attention to which connections have a plate. Depending on the application, you need a plate with a greater or lower transmission rate.

Unpack and prepare a plate

When the disk arrived in your home, unpack it and look at the disk. In most cases, external discs are supplied with a desktop or connected power source and a connective cable for a computer.

If you doubt, you can measure yourself using an ordinary line. You can distinguish the drives 12.7 and 9.5 with the naked eye.

Where to buy an adapter for HDD in ODD compartment


It is a plastic box with a small board with connectors and a microcircuit, as well as a USB cord cord and a decorative strap on the front side. For some reason, a mini-CD with drivers, but Windows 7 has seen a device without installing additional software. Moreover, the device is detected from the BIOS, respectively, it can be used as a bootable CD-ROM.

Connect the power supply and connect it. Then plug the hard disk to the computer. If you want to be safe, turn off the computer in advance. If the disk is connected, turn it on and, if necessary, turn on the computer. Now the operating system must recognize the disk and display it in

Hello everyone! Recently I knew asked, and how to connect the second hard disk to a computer or laptop. In general, no longer thinking I decided to write an article about this for you. I say in advance that if something is wrong with you - write about it in the comments, I will help. Now let's start.

How to find out which hard drive stands in the computer

In general, initially, the second hard disk is connected to the laptop or computer. Those who have a lot of information is stored and there is no longer enough space on the disk. Personally, I keep all the necessary data on removable media, whether it is a flash drive or pocket. But in our case we will understand how without a specialist connect the second hard drive to the computer.

To begin with, let's disconnect all the power cables from the computer and unscrew the side cover, you can make it taking a screwdriver and unscrew four bolts. We look at the picture where they are and how the lateral cover of the system unit is removed.

Please note that hard drives in the system unit can be located in a special shelf or cell, in the center or at the bottom of the block. Install the second hard disk is not near, but through the cell, to do it in order to be good cooling.

Before buying a hard disk, it is important to know which connection interface has your disk. It can be an IDE connector with a wide loop and plug, as well as can be SATA, it is not difficult to distinguish it, the cable itself is a narrow and small plug. SAta connectors are now the most popular and such discs will not be added to the complexity.

If your motherboard and hard disk has a SATA connector, you can connect it in a couple of minutes. To begin with, we fix our hard drive into the cell and connect the wire from the disk to the motherboard to it.

Now we take our SAA cable and connect this wire from either side, you will not be mistaken, do not worry. The second end of the wire connect with the motherboard.


In order for you to know, in all Metherinka there are at least two SAU connector, you can see them in different places and they look like that.


Now let's connect the power cord from the hard disk to the power supply.

Please note that SATA and IDE connectors are also different, and if you do not converge plugs, then you should buy an adapter that looks like this.

And now we connect the power cable to the hard disk.

Now everything is ready for us, the second disk is connected. You can safely cover the lid, twist the bolts and swing the chairs on your computer, the memory is enough for everyone.

Video on the topic

If something has not happened, you will write me in the comments, I will gladly help everyone. Bye!

Each day in the modern world appears more and more laptops, which, in turn, are improving and modernized. However, this does not say at all about the fact that users actively refuse to our usual computers.

Undoubtedly, the main advantage of the laptop is his mobility and small dimensions. However, the advantage of a stationary computer in front of a laptop is even more important - this is the possibility of modernization and upgrade.

Perhaps the most common type of improvement of the Iron Horse is an increase in physical memory. That is why in this article we will try to figure out how to connect the second hard disk to the computer.

Types of hard drives

There are two main types of internal hard drives that differ in connecting connectors, namely - SATA and IDE.

The first connection interface is considered more modern and today is used on all motherboards. As for the IDE connector, this technology is somewhat outdated and, accordingly, it is possible to meet hard drives and motherboards with these connectors only on outdated stationary computers.

Laptop and extra hard drive

Connect the second hard drive to a laptop in several ways. Of course, the easiest is to purchase an external disk connected via USB port. Today in stores there is a huge selection of these devices. Memory size on external hard drives is not inferior to internal hard disks. By purchasing such a device, you can easily connect it to your laptop at any time.

A plus of such a hard disk is that before connecting the second hard drive to a computer, Windows 7, as well as any other operating system, not necessarily turn off, as this device has a hot connection function.

In the case when it is not possible to purchase an external disk, you can get a special adapter that allows you to connect an ordinary hard disk through the USB port. Also for more convenient use of such an adapter there are special containers that are used as a disc box.

It is enough just to connect this container into the USB port and put a hard disk into it, after which an additional device will appear on your laptop as a hard disk.

Connecting an additional hard drive to a computer

Sometimes it happens that connecting the second hard disk to the computer is not necessary to increase the memory size of the device, but only then to transfer any information from one computer to another. It would seem to make it using a flash drive much easier, however, when the size of this information exceeds 80-100 GB, the transfer becomes much more convenient using the connection of two hard drives to one computer.

Before computer is connected to a computer, you must make sure that there are free ports on the motherboard. Be sure to turn off the computer and disconnect it from the network before performing all these works.

Hard disk and IDE connector

In order to understand how to connect the second hard disk with the IDE connector to the computer, let's see what is this type of connection.

As a rule, this type of connection is set up on modern motherboards. The loop that is used to connect the hard disk and the motherboard is quite thin. Its main feature is the ability to connect multiple devices per connector of the motherboard. That is, on this plume only 3 IDE connector, one of which connects to the motherboard, and the other two in the device is a hard disk and CD-ROM.

Connect the second hard disk. SATA connector

If there is a need to connect the second hard drive to the computer, first notice the type of hard disk connector. If it is a SATA connector, then immediately make sure that your motherboard supports similar interfaces.

Then prepare the wire with SATA connectors at both ends. Connect one side to the Winchester, and the other is to the free SATA port on the motherboard. Even on the simplest boards of these interfaces, a minimum of two pieces is set.

When installing a loop into the connector, you can not worry, since a special key has been developed on the plug, thanks to which the possibility of incorrect connection is excluded. That is why the replacement of the hard disk or its addition can be carried out independently.

Connecting power connector

In addition to data loops, be it SATA or IDE, a hard disk is needed that it receives through a separate connector and a separate wire.

When you connect the hard disk IDE, the power loop is as follows.

It has 4 contacts. The connector also has a key, thanks to which you will never be mistaken with the connection position. This connector has a rectangular shape, and the key is 2 rounded corners with one longitudinal side.

Power bus for hard disks with SATA connector looks somewhat different.

It has a more flat form, but it is also equipped with a special key, so the wrong connection is completely excluded.

Choosing a hard disk

Today there is a huge number of manufacturers of computer equipment and components for it. The same applies to the winchesters. In order to make a choice in favor of a specific hard disk, it is necessary to determine what it is needed for you.

There are several basic parameters of the Winchester to which attention should be paid. The first is definitely the volume of the carrier. To date, the size of 4 TB memory disk is the largest volume. However, this indicator is constantly growing, and in a year he can become 2, and even 3 times large.

The second value is the speed of its operation. Namely, the speed of access to the disk and write to it. Today there appeared hard drives working on SSD technology, in a different way they are called "solid carriers". The speed of their work significantly exceeds the speed of ordinary hard, but their volume is several times less. The price of such discs today is very large.

Based on these parameters and your personal preferences, you can competently and most importantly - it is practical to choose the hard drive you need.

Many people do not know how to connect the second hard disk to the computer, and therefore give their system blocks to the service. However, after reading this article, it becomes clear that it is not at all difficult.

Without your own, without attracting a specialist, if necessary, you can connect an additional hard disk to your computer. Next, we will understand installation scheme and the subsequent connection of the new hard drive in the system. It should be noted that actions are produced smoothly, clearly, without an application of strength and sharp actions.

First step it will be necessary to de-energize The entire system unit, for this we turn off the power, and then disconnect absolutely all the wires. Next, unscrew and removed the side covers, as well as in the image.

For the hard drive, of course, its own compartments are provided, which, depending on the model of the system unit, can be located in different positions and have a different position.

According to the method of connecting the hard drive directly to the motherboard, they are divided into two types, and exactlySATA. andIDE. The second option, has very wide loops and ports to connect, it is considered obsolete and is now used extremely rarely. For its irrelevant IDE, the variation will not be considered here.

If the SATA hard drive is already connected to a computer, then the second can be added easily and quickly. An additional disc is inserted into the proper free cell and is attached to the case. It is desirable that they are located at a sufficient distance from each other, to avoid overheating.

In order to connect a new hard drive to the motherboard itself, need cableSATA.. One end to stick into the corresponding slot on the board, and the second to the Winchester.

It is worth noting that in each modern model of the system unit, the minimum is provided twoSATA.-Soyeuma.

The next step will need connect new winchester Directly to the power supply. For this applies special cable, the plug of which is somewhat wider than the SATA cable. In the case when the only plug comes from the power supply, then the splitter will be needed. It happens that the narrow plug in the power supply was not provided, then it follows purchase adapter. Examples are shown in the images:

Favoring all the above cables, you should connect a hard disk with a power cable.

Now the auxiliary media is fully connected. Next, you can start the computer by attaching the lid by connecting the cable and feeding the power. After that, follows, in chance that the stage of system configuration of a new hard disk.

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