Two views of an ATA hard drive connecting pins.
The ATA drive data connector has 40 pins. One side of the cable has a stripe, usually red, to identify it as pin 1. Pin 1 always faces the power pins. Always place the pin 1 identifier side toward the power pins. There are 3 connectors on this cable. The one in the middle is off center causing one end of the cable to be longer from the center than the other end is. The long end connects to the Mobo, the connector on the oposite end connects to your master drive (containing C:). The center connector goes to a slave or second drive if you need one on this cable. If data cable is connected backwards, usually no harm done - just won't read/write.
Power Connectors
These are low voltage conductors. They won't hurt you. The connectors are all made to fit in only one kind of socket. You don't have to worry about connecting the wrong power to a component. Each will fit in its socket one way only. You don't have to worry about getting it upside down or backwards. Simple, huh?
Jumper pins select whether the drive is a Master, Slave or Cable Select. If you aren't adding more drives, your current setting is correct. For more info, go to your drive manufacturer's Web Site or your favorite computer book. Drive jumper setting info is easy to find. No harm is done by setting the jumper on wrong pins - it just won't read/write until correct.
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This power connector is from a late model ATX type power supply. It's Mobo connector is one single plug.
Older computers use an AT power
supply. It's Mobo connector has same number of pins but is in two parts. Know which power supply you need before trying to buy a replacement.
Older computers use an AT power
supply. It's Mobo connector has same number of pins but is in two parts. Know which power supply you need before trying to buy a replacement.
WARNING: OPEN YOUR COMPUTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. All electronics have differences so all possibilities cannot be communicated in a writing such as this; also you may void warranties by opening a case or attempting repairs yourself: read your warranties first. The author of these pages assumes no liability for your use of, or the correctness of the information contained herein.
Mobo= short name for Motherboard.
Connectors are the same on all brands of ATA hard drives and internal CD and DVD drives (not SCSI drives which I doubt that you have and you would surely know if you do). Floppy drives are a little different from hard drives but just as simple. See SCSI, CD and Floppy connecting pins on the next page.
NOTE: If you disconnect your hard drive data cable, reconnect it to the same cable connector it came from unless you know why you are connecting it to another connector. Its position on the data cable first or second connector socket is important. Wrong position won't do harm - but it won't work.
40 pin ATA data cable. You will have two of these, 1 for a primary and 1 for a secondary channel. Each cable can accomodate 2 devices.
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Update: My computers use ATA drives. The newer SATA (Serial ATA) drives are now in wide use. SATA drive connectors and cables are different from ATA but the safety features built into the connectors still apply.
