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.
Connect the SATA data cable to any open SATA connector on the motherboard and after the internal hard drive is installed, enter the Setup and check that the drive and the port it's connected too is set to auto [on].
Location of the four motherboard SATA connectors, are shown HERE
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.
Thank you for a very comprehensive answer. I just used this process to add a second internal HD to my Dell E521.
The only addition I would mention, is that the Dell instructions indicate to attach the SATA data cable of the new HD as follows:
"Connect the other end of the data cable to the SATA connector on the system board labeled SATA0 or SATA1"
I needed to remove the CD/DVD drive SATA data cable that was in the SATA1 connector and place it in the SATA3 connector. I then used SATA1 for the secondary HD.
It may or may not make any difference, but it appeared that the Dell instructions were somewhat specific in the SATA connectors to use.
Everything went extremely easy.
Once again - you provided a wonderful step-by-step roadmap to use. Thanks!
In theory you can use any SATA motherboard connector, with the exception of the SATA0 connector, this is always reserved for the primary boot SATA drive.
Yes, should be able to move the CD/DVD drive to the SATA3 connector and use SATA1 for the additional hard drive, without any issues.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
1
February 7th, 2011 16:00
johnbootie89
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.
Connect the SATA data cable to any open SATA connector on the motherboard and after the internal hard drive is installed, enter the Setup and check that the drive and the port it's connected too is set to auto [on].
Location of the four motherboard SATA connectors, are shown HERE
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.
johnbootie89
25 Posts
0
February 7th, 2011 19:00
That solved my question.
Thank you Bev!
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
February 7th, 2011 20:00
johnbootie89
Happy to have helped.
Bev.
Buegie
1 Message
0
February 3rd, 2013 10:00
Bev,
Thank you for a very comprehensive answer. I just used this process to add a second internal HD to my Dell E521.
The only addition I would mention, is that the Dell instructions indicate to attach the SATA data cable of the new HD as follows:
"Connect the other end of the data cable to the SATA connector on the system board labeled SATA0 or SATA1"
I needed to remove the CD/DVD drive SATA data cable that was in the SATA1 connector and place it in the SATA3 connector. I then used SATA1 for the secondary HD.
It may or may not make any difference, but it appeared that the Dell instructions were somewhat specific in the SATA connectors to use.
Everything went extremely easy.
Once again - you provided a wonderful step-by-step roadmap to use. Thanks!
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
February 3rd, 2013 11:00
Buegie
In theory you can use any SATA motherboard connector, with the exception of the SATA0 connector, this is always reserved for the primary boot SATA drive.
Yes, should be able to move the CD/DVD drive to the SATA3 connector and use SATA1 for the additional hard drive, without any issues.
Bev.