Adding second Seagate IDE drive to 4600 - HELP!

Question

I searched and searched, and haven't found the answer... My primary drive is a 160 SATA. I am adding a 160 IDE (Seagate). My system has a CD-RW and DVD, 2 drives on one ribbon to the motherboard.

My Seagate came with a ribbon with 2 connectors. Do I just use that ribbon and plug it into the motherboard connector next to the one the CD drives are plugged into? I know I set the Seagate to cable select. Just want to be sure I don't need a ribbon with 3 connectors.

Thanks for you quick response! (I am doing this now...)

BigBrother · Answer

visualcnc,

Check this link for info on the different mobo connectors in your system:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/techov.htm#1138947

The IDE connector labelled "hard drive" or "IDE 0" next to the CD-ROM drive cable is the one that you should use for your second hdd. IDE cables support only two drives. You cannot connect 3 drives to an IDE cable.

Steve

visualcnc · Answer

Thanks guys! Once I set IDE primary to auto, it recognizes it to it set-up. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to set the "primary" or "secondary" to auto (both were off). The SATA drive is my boot drive. Before I set it up and format the drive, I want to be sure it's supposed to be "primary" (since it's the only IDE drive). That's the one I set in bios, but I can change it.

PS: Why do I need a new cable, the connecter fell off "cleanly", and seems to recognize the drive?

Message Edited by visualcnc on 01-07-2006 09:46 PM

Message Edited by visualcnc on 01-07-2006 09:53 PM

BigBrother · Answer

visualcnc,

First, since the middle connector fell apart, you will need to replace that IDE cable. You will also need to set the Primary Drive 0 to enabled or auto in BIOS. Info on using System Setup (BIOS) can be found at this link:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/syssetup.htm#1140752

Steve

Message Edited by BigBrother on 01-07-2006 09:22 PM

visualcnc · Answer

I plugged into the correct slot. Computered booted up fine, no drive. I first connected drive to middle ribbon connecter (no luck), then the end connecter (no luck, except the middle connector fell apart in removing it). Connection appears fine though.

Do I need to set something else in my system (since it doesn't see that drive)?

shesagordie · Answer

visualcnc   Yes, you can use the cable that came with the Seagate HD, providing it's an IDE 80 wire cable, a three connector cable is used with two drives. Connect the IDE cable to the primary motherboard connector J6J2.  After install the drive, enter the setup and check that hard drive is set to auto [on]  Then partition and format the drive using WinXP disk management.   http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/techov.htm#1084976   Bev.

visualcnc · Answer

Thank you all!  All is functioning as it should!  Can't beat the price of and extra 160 gigs (actually 148)!  Fry's $90 minus $50 rebate = $40!  (minus $4.50 'cause I used a 5% cash back credit card).  Sure beats backing up to disk.  Your help is appreciated.

shesagordie · Answer

visualcnc   Setting the hard drive as the 'Primary' is fine.   Regards to the cable, if the system was mine, I would replace it, but that's your choice.   Bev.

shesagordie · Answer

visualcnc   Good price, I purchased from Monarch Computer, two Seagate, 5yr warranty, OEM SATA NCQ 160g hard drives, for $55.00 ea, w/ free S&H. plus a 5% CC rebate and no ST.   Bev.

stove · Answer

This seems to be the best place to ask, I have a Dell Dimension 4600 and would like to know how to add another hard drive.  160 GB as mentioned above would be ideal.   Can any of you give me an A-Z, non-technical explanation of how to go about doing this.  I don't even know what kind of drive I have now.    Any help would be appreciated including type of hard drive to buy.   Thanks, Stove

visualcnc · Answer

My 'experience' and suggestions: 1.  Take side cover off (I hunted all over for a screw, but it's a simple black lever on the back). 2.  Just buy a 'cheap' IDE drive (Seagate or Western Digital are OK). 3.  Remove the drive that's there, because it's probably in the outer bay (remove one screw at bottom, and it swings out from the bottom).  Remove the next bay too.  I put the existing drive in first (didn't have to disconnect any cables).  Then the new drive. 4.  Make sure the new drive has it's jumper in the right place ('cable select') 5.  Use ribbon supplied with drive, I think you can use either connector if it has 3, I did not use the middle one).  The blue connector on the ribbon on goes to J6J2 (per link above).  Take the protective plastic off one of the power cables (I used 'P3'); plug it into new drive. 6.  Crank it up!  My second drive did not show up.  Press 'f2' while rebooting, set BIOS as mentioned above.  Reboot and should show up.  Good luck.

stove · Answer

Thanks.  I may have more questions as I get closer to doing this.  I am limited in technical expertise.

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Adding second Seagate IDE drive to 4600 - HELP!

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