The most important thing once you decide to add or replace a drive is selecting a drive that will meet your needs now and into the future. Your needs should include how large of a drive you will need, the read/write speed of the drive and obviously the cost.
This article only covers the physical removal and/or installation of different drives and it does not discuss Operating System installation or user/data migration.
I have outlined step by step how to remove and install a new HDD or SSD. There are several things that you will need to complete this task.
1. New HDD or SSD ***
2. Sata Data Cable ***
3. Drive Bay Converter (if needed) **
4. Phillips Screwdriver
5. Grounding Strap *
Sata Hard Drive:
1. Power off computer and unhook all attached cables, keyboard and mouse.
2. Open up computer case. * see below
3. Locate an available 3.5" drive bay (if adding an additional drive).
4. Disconnect the power cable and data cable from the existing drive.
5. Locate and remove the screws holding the drive in the bay.
6. Slide drive out and set to the side.
7. Remove the new drive from its packaging, being careful to avoid touching any of the circuitry located on the underside of the drive.
8. Slide the drive into the bay with the power and data connectors facing inboard and the circuit board facing down.
9. Secure the drive in place with the retaining screws.
10. Connect the power and data cables to the drive.
11. Inspect the inside of the casing for cables that may have shifted and come in contact with one of the multiple system cooling fans.
12. Close up the case.
13. Reconnect all the cables, monitor and mouse and reattach the power cable.
14. Power the computer back up.
Sata Solid State Drive
The steps for installing an SSD are the same as above, but you will want to secure the drive into the bay adapter first and then install it as a single unit.
Sata Data Cable
2.5" to 3.5" Bay Adapter
Warning:
* ESD: Electro-static discharge can destroy the internal components of your computer. Ensure that you use a grounded wrist strap to release any static prior to working inside the computer case or touching any components. (If you do not have a grounding strap, just hold onto the metal frame of the computer case for about 5 seconds before working inside).
**If you plan on installing a 2.5" SSD you will need to purchase a 2.5" to 3.5" bay adapter to accomodate the smaller drive. When you purchase your SSD you can buy a stand alone drive or a complete kit with data cable and bay adapter.
***Most internal drives do not include the data cable and will have to be purchased seperately.
I have included some links below to multiple SSD manufacturers so you can research what technology is out there and make an informed decision.
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