➤ How to connect and install a SATA hard drive in an IDE port 🎮

Types of hard drives

There are different types of hard drives: SATA or serial ATA, PATA or “Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment”, SSD or “Solid State Disk” and SCSI or “Small Computer System Interface”. The most popular today are SATA drives and are available in a wide variety of sizes and capacities.

IDE and SATA hard drives

IDE hard drives were the first to hit the market. These require the interface standard ATA parallel to be able to connect to the PC. They are characterized by the storage of data through magnetism. Some users resort to converting an old IDE hard drive to USB using a docking station, although converting to a SATA hard drive is more common.

For its part, SATA hard drives are widely used due to their versatility and fast process storage. These types of disks run a serial and signaling technology they can be connected using thin and flexible cables (SATA).

How to connect and install a SATA hard drive in an IDE port

To connect and install a SATA hard drive into an IDE port you will need a adapter da IDE to SATA and follow a simple procedure that we explain below.

Disconnect the PC and all its components

First of all, it is necessary disconnect the PC from the power supply. Also disconnect all components from the back of the computer. You can also take advantage of this step and clean your PC's power supply to apply a quick maintenance to your computer.

Next, open your gear case by sliding the lid. First, be sure to remove any screws or connecting pieces that hold the cover attached to the case. Put your hand on the metal surface to eliminate static electricity.

Remove the hard drive and IDE to SATA adapter

Take the SATA hard drive out of its protective case and do the same with the IDE to SATA adapter. Generally, the adapter has a protective container that you need to remove.

Connect the SATA hard drive to an IDE port

Use the IDE to SATA adapter to align it with the slots on the back of the hard drive. Connect the adapter to the unit e connect the four-pin connector to the other end of the adapter.

Connect the hard drive to the power source. For this, check if your power supply has SATA cables. If not, get a SATA / IDE adapter cable and connect the SATA end to the drive and the other end to the source cable.

Install the SATA hard drive that has been connected to an IDE port

Take the drive and place it in one of the compartments or slots in the enclosure to secure it with the screws. Check that the disc does not move after having screwed it with the two screws into the corresponding slot.

Close the case and connect the equipment components

Replace the cover and secure it with the screws on the back of the case. Connect all the devices on the computer and the power cord.

Enter the PC's basic “BIOS” input and output system

Enter the BIOS interface e check if your PC recognized the SATA hard drive. Then format the drive and create partitions on it if you prefer.

Format the SATA drive

If you have another hard drive in your PC and it hosts Windows, you can format the SATA drive from the system interface. To do this, go to “This Computer” and right click on the SATA drive. Click on “Format” and in the new window press the “Start” button.

In case you cannot apply the format directly from the system, you can choose to repair a damaged hard drive that Windows does not recognize. To do this, insert a drive with the Windows image and enter the BIOS. Configure the drive to boot and proceed to format the SATA hard drive from the system options.