Installing a Primary IDE Hard Drive

Attach IDE Cable to the Motherboard

Plug the IDE Cable to the Motherboard

©Mark Kyrnin

Most ATA/66 and ATA/100 IDE cables will have a blue connector or a connector labeled "System Board". This will be plugged into either the IDE0 (Primary) or IDE1 (Secondary) connector on the motherboard. Typically the primary connector will be blue to signify that it should be used for a hard drive. The cables are typically keyed to only be inserted in one way but if the cable is not keyed, make sure that the red stripe on the IDE cable matches up to "Pin 1" on the motherboard.

• Intro and Powering Down
• Open Up the Computer Case
• Set the Drive Mode Jumper
• Insert the Drive in the Case
• Attach IDE Cable to the Motherboard
• Plug the IDE Cable to the Hard Drive
• Plug the Power to the Drive
• Close Up the Computer
• Power Up the Computer