How to properly connect an old hard drive. Adapter or new drive? Power for a new hard drive
How to connect sata hdd to ide
Just in case, let's immediately point out the external differences. IDE - also known as ATA - Advanced Technology Attachment (advanced connection technology) and later - PATA - a standard interface for connecting hard drives and drives to a PC, was popular in the 90s and early 2000s. It is a wide, 40-pin cable. SATA (Serial ATA) - the standard that later replaced it, became popular in the mid-2000s and is still relevant today, much smaller - 7 contacts versus 40.
With the passage of time and the evolution of progress in the market, new, high-speed interfaces are replacing the old ones, and the problem of compatibility inevitably arises - is it worth throwing away an HDD that is incompatible by default? modern system? Or vice versa - if on an outdated motherboard no SATA controller (this interface is a standard on this moment), and a well-worn forty-gigauge screw with an 80-pin cable has given up a long life - you will be surprised to find that you can no longer find such a rarity in the nearest computer store, and the machine should still work... Just how to make it work with a relatively new sata hdd to ide? We will try to answer these questions.
How to connect SATA HDD to IDE?
The solution to both problems lies on the surface - a HDD with an old interface is very difficult to find in a store, but here is a controller that makes it easy to make almost any new hard drive work on the old system- quite! As a rule, this is a small chip, on one side of which there is an output for an IDE cable (the 40-pin wire itself is plugged into the corresponding output on the motherboard and into the controller), and on the other - SATA (connects directly to the hard drive) and 4-pin power supply ( comes from the PC power supply).
Nuances and disadvantages
It is worth considering that if you have a well-worn computer, then with a high degree of probability its power supply is old - and a hard drive SATA drive the power supply in some cases differs from that of the IDE (i.e. not MOLEX) - you need either new block, or another adapter (it’s not difficult to find one, but its price is pretty cheap). 
There is also one obvious disadvantage this approach– if the hard drive is designed for SATA and takes advantage of this interface, then when connected via the old bus, the speed will be noticeably limited: even the very first revision of Serial ATA gives in theory from 150 MB/s versus 133 for IDE, and the difference in throughput is several times not in favor outdated port. Otherwise, you can even connect an SSD to an old system, but the higher the speed indicators of the connected media, the more noticeable the loss in speed will be.
Also, do not forget that old hardware often has outdated operating system, which may not support partitions larger than 2 TB or even file system NTFS. For majority decision similar problems you will need a program to work with HDD partitions– you will need to properly partition and format the volumes in order for the OS to see them and install on them. In some cases (for example, in the case of excessively large 32x volumes bit systems and Windows XP) there is nothing to be done, and you will have to put up with the limitation.
How to connect IDE HDD to SATA?
The story is approximately the same in the opposite case, with the only difference that a problem with power supply for the media will be less likely and there will be no speed restrictions, only you need to keep in mind that an IDE hard drive connected to a modern PC may become tasks “ bottleneck” – even new HDDs With high speed spindle rotation and with the SATA interface of the latest version the performance is far from exorbitant - from the same SSD the gain is more than noticeable, therefore, at a minimum, we do not recommend installing an operating system on an outdated screw. Also keep in mind that IDE devices, unlike SATA, do not support “hot swapping” - i.e. they cannot be connected or disconnected while the computer is running - there is a high probability of failure of either the device itself or the controller that is responsible for its operation!
ISA/PCI/PCIexpress controllers
There are also expansion cards for PCI connector– if there is one on the board, then you can organize the connection of drives using it. Such boards may have 2 or more SATA connectors and one IDE - do not forget that it is possible to connect two devices to it simultaneously. The disadvantage of this approach is that by default the OS or its installer may not support it (the PCI controller), and this will lead to additional headaches with creating bootable media with drivers. Plus, controllers on some chips are poorly compatible with certain systems– either they will not be detected at all, or it will be impossible to select a similar HDD as bootable in the BIOS (basically, such PCi boards have their own “mini-Bios” and their own disk tree), or the computer with it will refuse to turn on at all. Often these problems cannot be solved unless updating the motherboard firmware can help.
There is also one more nuance - the PCI standard has had many revisions, and the old ones support much lower data transfer rates, which can also impose some restrictions. On very ancient personal computers, which appeared before the widespread use of PCI, there is an ISA bus available - there are IDE controllers for it. But due to technical limitations, when connecting a drive with more or less normal characteristics to them, the outdated bus will become a serious limitation, and with the help complex circuit(ISA IDE->SATA) you can connect almost any hard drive. For modern motherboards without a PCI connector (and there are more and more of them), there are combined solutions for PCIexress/miniPCiexpress, which have both IDE and SATA. There are far fewer problems with their support, although the speed advantage of the new express standard over the old PCI will not significantly increase the performance of the drive (if we are talking about IDE).
Hello! I received a very interesting question by email.
My reader encountered an installation problem old hard drive with IDE connector to a new motherboard, where only SATA controllers. And the problem is not even so much the need to use old hard disk, how much to access information that was stored on the old hard drive.
The need to connect the old HDD Many users have this problem with their computer, so I offer my solution.
This is what SATA/IDE hard drive connectors look like.
Of course, these connectors are not compatible with each other. The IDE connector is connected to the motherboard with a wide flat cable, and the SATA connector is connected to a thin SATA cable.
The fact is that motherboard manufacturers try to save on every little thing. Why install outdated connectors on the board if almost no one uses them anymore? The connectors will only occupy extra space and increase the cost of the motherboard.
In addition, I suggest you get acquainted with this article - the most cheap way connect an IDE device, which will also help you resolve the issue.
We are looking for a solution!
So we can do like this NOT professionals. Let's install old IDE hard drive to another computer with IDE connectors, copy everything from it necessary information to a flash drive or external hard disk, then copy all the information to new computer. Great, the information is saved, but what should we do with the old disk? Just put it on the shelf and forget about it - this is not our method.
We'll go the other way, so for IDE connections hard drive we will need PCI controller- SATA/IDE.
Controllers may differ from each other by manufacturer, number of connectors, and may be implemented on different chips, but these differences do not affect the principle of working with them.
This is what this miracle of technology looks like. And here is a link to a similar option for ordering from China - http://aliexpress.com/pci-ide-sata (note that the controller in the link has a pci express-x1 connector)
The cost of such a controller is about 400-500 rubles. And it works out its cost 100%, since in return we get the opportunity to install both old HDDs on new motherboards and new hard disks on old motherboards.
This controller has several on board SATA connectors and one IDE controller. Do not forget that we can connect 2 devices to one IDE controller, which is why the IDE cables have connectors for connecting 2 devices at once.
All we need to do is connect the PCI-SATA/IDE controller to the motherboard. To do this we just need to plug it into the connector PCI motherboard and secure with a bolt.
After connecting the connector, all we have to do is secure the hard drive inside the case and connect two wires to it (data cable and power).
Thus we get the following connection diagram.
- connect the controller to the motherboard;
- connect the IDE cable to the controller;
- connect the cable to the hard drive;
- connect power to the disk;
Please note that the power connectors IDE hard drives and SATA are also different. Usually, the computer power supply has enough of both connectors with a reserve, but sometimes for connection SATA hard drives you have to use this Molex (PATA) - SATA adapter.
If you don't have enough molex power connectors, use special power strips.
After we have figured out the connection, all we have to do is turn on the computer and make sure that the hard drive is detected in the system. To do this, just go to “My Computer” and see your local disks. In addition to the existing ones, local disks of the new hard drive should be added :)
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that, although the kit includes a disk with drivers given the controller does not need to install them. The system itself will find the necessary drivers.
Finally, I’ll add one more argument in favor of PCI-SATA/IDE controller. You can safely install an operating system on a hard drive connected through such a controller, which I have proven many times.
This is how this very useful device can make our lives easier.
As always, we leave our impressions, comments, and suggestions for the article in the comments below. I try to answer each of them.
See you in the next lesson, where I will tell you, how to test a hard drive for bad blocks.
PS. I hope many readers have noticed that the design of the site has changed a little. Now I like him even more! I would like to know your opinion about the new site design.
Each user may have the task of transferring various data from an old drive. However, this is not always easy to do: support for outdated methods of transmitting information is not available on most modern personal computers. In addition, the connection method greatly depends on the type of hard drive itself. We will tell you in this article in Russian how to connect an old hard drive to a modern-generation computer.
Before you do, you need to determine the type of connection used on the storage medium and prepare the PC for adding a new component. On at this stage It may be necessary to purchase and install additional technical equipment.
Step 1: Determine the connection type
A hard drive released from five to 20 years ago may have one of several interfaces (that is, communication methods):
SATA
Introduced in 2003 and is the most common way to connect hard drives today ( latest version introduced in 2013). SATA, whose current revision is 3.2, is a backwards-compatible standard: this means that even devices from ten years ago can be attached to modern controller implementations. SATA uses a small 7-pin data connector and a 15-pin connector for power supply.
ATA (IDE)
Released in 1986. Was widespread in the 1990s, last change it was made standard in 2003. The interface is the most common on hard drives released over the past two decades. Externally, the connector of this standard looks like a 40-pin connector (two rows of 20 pins each). In most cases, one of the contacts in one row is removed: when used in pairs with the corresponding cable (which has one hole missing), this avoids incorrect connections. Another similar protection is a groove on one side of the socket: in the same place on the plug of the connecting cable there is a protrusion.
SCSI
SCSI, like IDE, was introduced in 1986. It was rarely used in the consumer segment, since it was primarily focused on use as part of server equipment. Currently, components connected via SCSI are extremely rare.
How to determine the interface type?
ATA (IDE), SATA and SCSI connectors are not compatible with each other, so to determine the media interface, only a visual inspection is sufficient. To clarify the revision of the standard, you must refer to the device passport.
Step 2: Prepare your computer to connect the old hard drive
Not every modern PC is equipped with the necessary set of technical tools necessary to connect any component released in the past. As a rule, manufacturers either stop supporting outdated standards altogether, or leave their support optional (they apply it to a limited list of models, offer to buy additional modules, etc.). Before you begin, you may need to purchase additional hardware. The need for their use depends on several factors. First of all, it depends on the HDD interface and the motherboard model.
2.1. Preparing your PC to connect a SATA drive
Despite the fact that the history of SATA goes back 13 years, this interface is current and supported by any modern mother card. Since everything is necessary technical means For HDD applications with this interface are already included in the PC, then only a SATA cable is needed. Such a cord can be taken from the motherboard kit or purchased separately. Preparing the system involves turning off the power and removing the housing casing.
2.2. Preparing your PC to connect an ATA (IDE) drive
Over the past few years, the number of motherboards supporting this standard has dropped sharply. This means that in order to connect your old hard drive to a new generation computer, you may need to purchase additional device- external adapter.
In order to understand whether your motherboard supports this interface, you need to refer to the device instructions. To others in a fast way is visual inspection: the presence of a 40-pin connector means that the board natively supports this type connections.
If the motherboard has an ATA (IDE) connector, then before connecting the old hard drive to the computer, you just need to get the appropriate cable (usually supplied with the motherboard). Otherwise you need to buy additional component- ATA (IDE) controller.
Adapters for connecting legacy media can be made in two versions: for PCI-e buses(installed inside the PC) and USB ( external module, which connects to the USB port). Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The device is a small expansion card that is installed in a PCI-e port located on the motherboard. Example models: JMicron JMB363, Espada FG-EST04A-1-CT01. average price is about 1500 rubles.
Advantages:
- does not require additional source power supply for the drive;
— convenient for constant use, since it is installed inside and does not take up space on the desktop;
— data transfer speed is higher than that of external USB adapters.
Flaws:
— application is possible only on stationary computers, in this case, the form factor also plays a role: installation on monoblocks or net-tops is usually impossible;
- it is necessary to disassemble the PC case.
ATA to USB Controller
Such devices are an external adapter, one end of which is connected to the USB port of the PC, and the other to the HDD. Power for the hard drive is supplied via an external power supply. Examples of models: AGESTAR FUBCP, Aopen USB – IDE. The cost is about 1000 rubles.
Advantages:
— can be used on form factors in which installing devices inside the case is fundamentally impossible: on laptops, all-in-one PCs, net-tops;
— there is no need to disassemble the PC case;
- some models are multifunctional and also support SATA;
- portability.
Flaws:
— the drive requires a separate power supply (usually included with an adapter);
— low speed data transfer because USB 2.0 is used.
Preparing a PC whose motherboard does not have an IDE connector for connecting an appropriate drive involves purchasing an external adapter and installing it. You may need to install additional software (drivers). The process of pairing a PC and an external controller depends on the device model and is described in detail in the user manual.
2.3. Preparing a PC to connect a SCSI drive
Even though it is relevant, SCSI interface was not very common in the field of domestic use, since only the corresponding controller was equipped server equipment. Therefore connect old SCSI A hard drive can only be connected to a computer using special controllers.
As with ATA, SCSI adapters can be implemented as embedded devices for PCI-e (for example, Adaptec 2248700-R U320), or for USB (Adaptec USBXchange), while all the advantages and disadvantages are preserved. However, unlike similar ATA components, SCSI controllers are less common and typically cost more.
Step 3: Attaching the Old Hard Drive to the Computer
At this point, your PC should be ready to attach the drive. This means that, firstly, you must have all the necessary connecting cords, and secondly, make sure that there is an appropriate controller in the system (or connect it and install software for his work).
Make sure the power supply is unplugged. Then you need to connect the power and data cables to the drive. Turn on the PC: if the connection was made correctly, the hard drive should be detected by the operating system.
Connecting a hard drive to a laptop or computer is not a very difficult task, however, those who have never encountered it may not know how it is done. In this article I will try to consider everything possible options connecting a hard drive - both mounting inside a laptop or computer, and options external connection in order to overwrite the necessary files.
Connecting to a computer (inside the system unit)
The most frequently asked question is how to connect a hard drive to the computer system unit. As a rule, such a task may be faced by someone who decides to assemble a computer on their own, replace the hard drive, or, if some important data needs to be copied to the main hard drive of the computer. The steps for such a connection are quite simple.
Determining the type of hard drive
First of all, take a look at the hard drive you want to connect. And determine its type - SATA or IDE. What type of hard drive is can be easily seen by the power connection pins and the motherboard interface.
IDE (left) and SATA (right) hard drives
Most modern computers (as well as laptops) use the SATA interface. If you have an old HDD that uses an IDE bus, then some problems may arise - such a bus may not be on your motherboard. However, the problem can be solved - just purchase an adapter from IDE to SATA.
What and where to connect
For work hard disk on the computer, in almost all cases you only need to do two things (all this is done with the computer turned off, with with the lid removed) - connect it to power and exchange bus SATA data or IDE. What and where to connect is shown in the picture below.
If two hard drives, then you may need to go into the BIOS in order to adjust the boot order so that the operating system boots the same way as before.
How to connect a hard drive to a laptop
First of all, I would like to note that if you do not know how to connect a hard drive to a laptop, then I would recommend contacting an appropriate specialist for whom computer repair is a job. This is especially true for various types of ultrabooks and laptops Apple MacBook. Also, you can connect the hard drive to the laptop as external HDD, which will be discussed below.
However, in some cases, connecting hard drive to a laptop for the purpose of replacement does not present any difficulties. As a rule, on such laptops, on the bottom side, you will notice one or two or three “covers” fastened with screws. The hard drive is hidden under one of them. If you have just such a laptop, feel free to remove the old hard drive and install a new one; this is done easily for standard 2.5-inch hard drives with a SATA interface.
Connect your hard drive as an external drive
The easiest way to connect is to connect the hard drive to a computer or laptop as external storage. This is done using appropriate adapters, adapters, and external enclosures for HDDs. The price of such adapters is not at all high and rarely exceeds 1000 rubles.
The meaning of the operation of all these accessories is approximately the same - the necessary voltage is supplied to the hard drive through the adapter, and the connection to the computer occurs via USB interface. There is nothing complicated about this procedure and it works the same way. regular flash drives. The only thing in case using hard drive as an external one must be used safe removal device and never turn off the power while it is running - this can most likely lead to damage to the hard drive.
We often receive letters asking how to connect an ancient hard drive with IDE interface to a modern computer that does not have outdated connectors, or even to a laptop.
Everything is extremely simple. There are two options.
Permanent connection of the IDE hard drive to the motherboard.
This is done through an appropriate adapter, which is not very expensive, but it is not so easy to find it on sale. The drive is installed inside system unit as usual and is connected using SATA (power and data). But, to be honest, putting an old device in modern computer not rational. It will make noise and crackle its heads, and besides, its performance will not be the best. Even the weakest modern hard drive will outperform it in speed by a large margin. It is much more convenient to rewrite all its contents to a new and more capacious model with SATA interface.
IDE adapter<--->SATA
Adapter with closed housing. Otherwise, it is no different from the previous model
Temporarily connecting an IDE hard drive using a USB adapter
This option is preferable. Owners of desktops will not have to remove the cover of the system unit, and owners of laptops will not be able to do without it. Buy a USB adapter for connection IDE hard drives form factors 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer of them on sale.
But be careful, you can get confused and buy an adapter only for SATA hard drives, of which the majority are now. In addition, docking stations will not be useless; basically, they only allow you to connect hard drives with a SATA interface.
The most versatile adapter from AgeStar. You can connect any models of hard drives. In addition, this adapter can be used to connect optical drive CD-ROM and DVD-ROM with IDE interface to a netbook
However, there is one caveat. The speed of the drive in the first solution will be maximum, since the device is connected directly to the motherboard, and in the second case it will be limited throughput USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) – in practice, the speed reaches a maximum of 24-26 MB/s, and even then not always. All adapters with more advanced USB bus 3.0 allows you to connect only SATA hard drives.
My advice is this. Use USB adapters, but at the first opportunity, dump your data to a more modern drive and abandon the old IDE standard.