The Harddrive is a SATA unit.
Uses a SATA data cable, and a SATA power cable.
SATA data cable, and connector on motherboard, example;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SATA_ports.jpgBetween the SATA data cable connector, and the SATA power cable connector; the SATA data cable connector is the shorter of the two in width.
SATA data cable connector has 7-pins.
SATA power cable connector has 15-pins.
The connector end used on the harddrive side, and optical drive side, (CD/DVD drive), is usually a 90 degree Bent Elbow.
The connector end that plugs into the motherboard, is a Straight connector.
NOTE* Color of connectors does NOT matter.
Most of the time the SATA data connectors on the motherboard, are different colors.
This is to help discern what number of SATA data connector it is.
Four SATA data connectors on the motherboard?
SATA 1, SATA 2, SATA 3, and SATA 4;
Or:
SATA 0, SATA 1, SATA 2, and SATA 3?
SATA 0, or SATA 1, is usually reserved for the Harddrive.
The Primary harddrive with the Operating System on it.
(Unless you have harddrives set in a RAID configuration)
DOES NOT MATTER WHAT SATA DATA CONNECTOR, you plug into, on the motherboard.
Want to plug the harddrive into SATA 3, or SATA 4?
Go ahead.
NO matter what SATA connector on the motherboard that you plug into, BIOS will find the harddrive.
Note the L-shape in the connector.
Has to line up on the L-shape on the harddrive, optical drive, or motherboard, SATA data connector.
There is usually a lock on the connector. This you may not see.
Sometimes there is a little 'bump' on the connector. Depress with the thumbnail to install the cable, or remove.
This is an example of a SATA power cable,
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#sataNOTE*
IF, your SATA harddrive has a provision for plugging in a SATA power cable, AND a 4-pin Peripheral power cable; ONLY plug the SATA power cable in.
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#peripheralUsing BOTH types of power cables will BURN the harddrive up.
May not happen right away, but I assure you it will happen.
For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATA
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