Note : Seagate has almost discontinued making IDE hard drives. We do still have some Seagate 160gig IDE Hard drives (Jan 2009) . They are going out fast. If you need any other size hard disk drive, or hard drive for a older computer look at the Western / Westan digital hard drive range. They still make IDE hard drives for older computers.

WD (Western Digital ) Hard disk drives

Laptop Hard disk drives

Help page for hard drives

If you have an older style computer with no SATA connectors, you need to get an IDE hard drive. Normally pre 2005 computers may likely to have IDE hard drive. Easy way to identify is the cable going to the hard drive. See the pictures below.

seagate_harddisk_drive_cable.jpeg (21446 bytes)

IDE type Hard drive cable (from Seagate website)

SATA Hard disk cable

seagate_barracuda_hard_disk.jpg (12690 bytes)

Sample image of a Seagate hard disk drive

If your computer has a SATA connector (ie. motherboard has a SATA connector, it may be a good idea to go for a SATA hard drive. They are cheaper and perform better and also in a future upgrade you can re-use the hard drive. See the below images for the SATA connectors on the motherboard .

sata_connection_motherboard.jpg (9300 bytes)

SATA connector on motherboard (This is about 10mm long x 5mm wide) (Enlarged view )

western-digital-hard-disk-drive-connectors-bottom-view.jpg (13399 bytes)

Connectors on the hard drive (Image from a Western Digital hard drive )

Gigabyte motherboard image with SATA connectors. (See the small red connectors on the bottom left side of the image)

How to Install a SATA Hard drive

	Step 1: Shut down the computer and Switch off from the wall. Remove the hard drive from packing and mount it in the case in a suitable place. Make sure there is plenty of space for ventilation above the drive as well as below the hard disk drive. Screw in the hard drive in place using correct size screws. Screws should not be too long as it may damage the drive. Recommended hard disk drive screw length is 5mm.
Step 2: Connect the SATA Data cable one end to the motherboard. It should click into the motherboard.
	Step 3: Connect the other end of the SATA cable to the hard disk drive.
Step 4: Connect the power connector to the hard disk drive. If you have only older type connectors coming from the power supply, you can buy an adaptor cable to convert it to SATA power.
Step 5: Switch on the computer and at the first sign of letters on screen press <DEL> key or other appropriate key to go into BIOS screen. (Some brand name computers may use <F2> or other key combinations. You may be able to see which key to get in to setup on the first screen you see. Do not worry if you cannot see that. It should automatically recognise and register as far as hardware is concerned.	Step 6: If the new drive is the only drive , you have to install Windows or other operating system on the drive. Follow the instructions for the operating system book. If it is the secondary hard disk drive, partition and format the drive as you please.

List of guides on how to install a new hard drive

Download the pdr file from Western Digital web site on how to install SATA hard drive.
Seagate also has a installation guide , but very brief at here

If you are installing an IDE style hard drive, there is an interesting article at http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-hard-drive.htm

Seagate 80 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)
Seagate 120 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)
Seagate 200 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)
Seagate 250 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)
Seagate 300 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)
Seagate 400 gig IDE or ATA100 Hard disk drive (discontinued)

Maxtor shared storage drives ((Network or USB connected storage drive) Add storage and share files, photos, and music or use as a Network storage server. • Access files from multiple PCs • Easy installation - Automatic network configuration • Easy browser interface to assign privacy levels for shared folders • Drag and Sort™ file organization • 2 USB ports let you add shared printers or extra drives • 100Base-T / 10Base-T Ethernet connection • 200GB and 300GB capacities available

Hard disk accessories.

External hard disk case (USB 2.0 ) (Just install your IDE hard drive and make an external Hard disk )

Address : Australian Best Computer Discounts pty ltd ( Formarly Flexisoft Computers) 3A/ 135 Railway av, Werribee Vic 3030 Tel - (03) 97498111 Fax (03) 9749 8033

Specification may subject to change

Manufacturer web sites.

www.seagate.com

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