How do I add extra storage to my E521

Read this. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

regalwhiskey

How to add a second SATA hard drive.

Basically all you need, is a 24" [or longer] x 180* x 90* [right angle] SATA data cable, similar as the unit HERE , try to buy the cable from a local computer store, to save the S&H.

The details for installing the second hard drive are  HERE. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

After the internal hard drive is installed, enter the Setup and check that the drive is set to auto [on]. In order for windows to recognize the second hard drive, it must be partitioned and formatted, using Windows Disk Management.

Details of the System Setup are HERE.

Use one of the SATA power connectors [P3, P5, P8 and P9] inside the case, see HERE for details.

Bev.

Thanks, Great links and directions but: I think this new Western Digital (WD7501AALS) Black Caviar I'm trying to install might be too power hungry. I hooked it up to the P5 connection while the P3 is connected to the Primary OS hard drive. I suspect both drives on the same power curcuit require to many amps to spin the primary OS drive: Thus when windows tries to load, I only get dim video and it freezes or won't finish loading windows. If I disconnect the P5 connector (hot) windows will finish loading. I'm thinking I might try to use the P8-P9 connection if I can get a extension cable.This line is direct from the Power Supply and should be able to handle the damand of the new HDD  without Interupting/limiting the current flow to the P3-P5 connectors.  (Dell 305W Power Supply:dedicated circuit safety design question)

Can anybody advise me if Dell can supply the Power Supply extension cable?? Alternatively I might be able to mount the drive in an empty expansion bay and use the P8 or P9 power connection without extensions.  Any advise from you support folks?

Next time I'll go green !!

Get a SATA ll cable:This E521 is a SATA ll and the cable should handle more than 150mbps- SATA ll is 3Gbit/ps or 300MB/s at Wikipedia. Don't skimp on the cable,it could affect the WEI score for the HDD.