Fitting Internal Cables

Fitting internal cables when you are building a PC, there are various internal cables that you need to connect. The cables usually come with individual drives or the motherboard depending on the version that you purchase.

If your hard drive is SATA it is easy for you to fit the cables from your hard drive to the motherboard. The cables fit in one way into the motherboard and hard drive connections. Connect one of the cable ends to your hard drive while ensuring it is well aligned. If your hard drive is an IDE, the connectors are usually tabbed therefore there is only one way of fitting them into the slots.

Fitting Internal Cables when Building a Computers

When connecting IDE cables, make sure the red stripe is close to your power connector. The other end should be connected to the motherboard by fitting it into its slot. The connections have to be snug when you fit them in. For a SATA hard drive, the power connector should be attached to the back of your hard drive. For IDE hard drives, a stand power connector will be available to attach to the hard drive.

When you are fitting floppy cables, you will notice that there are two connectors that are provided. A PC has a single floppy drive therefore you should connect the one that is located after the cable twist.

This allows the drive to labeled A: drive in your operating system. The other connector should be attached to the motherboard. This end will also fit in a single way just like the other end.

There is a small connector that runs from your power supply and this is the cable that should be fitted at the back of your drive. This can only be done in one way therefore there is no possibility of making a mistake.

Fit DVD Drive or CD-ROM Cables

When you custom build a PC, you also need to connect the DVD drive or CD-Rom cables. IDE cables are usually tabbed therefore there is no chance that you will make a mistake when you are fitting them.

To make sure you fit it right, you need to check if the red stripe is close to your power connector. The other end needs to be fitted into the motherboard by installing it into the slot. When fitting DVD drive or CD-Rom cables, you also need to attach a normal power connector from your power supply to the back of your drive.

See Also...

• PC Cables
• Hard Drive Utilities