Install Sata HD in a PATA Computer
Until the middle of the 2000s, most computers have supported the older PATA (Parallel ATA) or IDE interface for attaching hard drives. Since then, the IDE interface has all but disappeared. Though they are still being made, they're more expensive than modern SATA (Serial ATA) hard drives and are limited in capacity. You can use SATA drives in a PATA system, but it requires an add-on card, and very likely, a power cable converter to work.
Instructions
Installing the SATA Card
1. Turn off your computer. Disconnect all of the cables, and place it on a large flat surface.
2. Remove the side cover of the computer, and set it aside.
3. Using the Phillip's screwdriver, remove one of the metal covers that protects the motherboard's PCI slots.
4. Insert the SATA add-on card into the PCI slot. Make sure it is properly seated.
5. Using the screw from the metal cover, fasten the add-on card into place.
Installing the Hard Drive
6. Insert the SATA hard drive into an available hard drive cage.
7. Use the included screws to fasten the hard drive in place.
8. Attach the SATA data cable to the hard drive. Attach the other end to the SATA card.
9. Attach the Molex end of the Molex-to-SATA power adapter to one of the power cords coming off of the computer's power supply.
10. Plug the other end of the Molex-to-SATA adapter into the hard drive.
Closing Up
11. Replace the computer's side cover.
12. Reattach all of the cabling to the computer.
13. Start up the computer.
14. Once your operating system has booted, it should automatically detect the new hardware. If it asks for drivers, insert whatever media came with the SATA add-on card.
15. If the new drive is unformatted, your operating system will ask if you want to format it. Allow it to do so.
Tags: hard drive, add-on card, your operating system, add-on card into, card into, hard drives, Insert SATA