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-- installing computer parts

installing computer parts

How easy is it to upgrade hardware?
Im in need of a 2nd HD, and I think a new fan as my computer seems to be hotter than usual(its warming my feet up where as it didnt use to)

I know itll void the warranty, so should I take it to Future shop(means I need to purchase from future shop+pay their labour? Or should I risk it and buy OEM parts and do it myself?

easy as pie.

http://www.basichardware.com/HowTo_...Hard_Drive.html

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgradin...-hard-drive.htm

^^^ there ya go. although those harddrive pics are old, they still tell ya what you need to know.

*EDIT*


opening your computer shouldnt void a warranty, that would be stupid(but who knows, Futureshop is stupid)

if you open an individual part in your computer, that might void the warranty for that part.

To install an new part, its really easy.

ill try and find a site for you, which has the process outlined with pics, cause its soo much easier with view pics.

how experienced a computer person are you? have you ever opened and tinkered before?

I installed a CD burner on my moms computer and the hardest part was getting the case off.

quote:

and I think a new fan as my computer seems to be hotter than usual(its warming my feet up where as it didnt use to)

For ventilation...try to balance the fans so that you have about the same amount of air going OUT of the case as you do coming IN the case.
Narrowing down the source for the most heat might help also (if it's CPU - upgrade heatsink+fan, video card - upgrade heatsinks/fans or have a fan blowing from the side etc.)...or go full out with a water cooling solution

Oh, also where you place the case will have an affect...is it in open space or within a confined space in a desk?

quote:

I installed a CD burner on my moms computer and the hardest part was getting the case off.

Then installing a hard drive will be easy...same steps...since it's your 2nd HD, you may need to switch the jumper settings to slave, that's about it.

dood, if i can do it, so can you.

i have done several things like power supply, installing drives, and adding hardware. very easy stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by StereoPrincess dood, if i can do it, so can you. i have done several things like power supply, installing drives, and adding hardware. very easy stuff.

marge is a computer nerd.

I installed my first CD-ROM when I was like 13....so yeah, ANYONE can install parts.

Hell, my g/f installed her own RAM!!

Warranties are for pussies anyway

quote:

Originally posted by Soundwerks my g/f installed her own RAM!!

My CPU is a neuralnet-processor, a learning computer.

Re: installing computer parts

quote:

Originally posted by j_spot I know itll void the warranty, so should I take it to Future shop(means I need to purchase from future shop+pay their labour? Or should I risk it and buy OEM parts and do it myself?

Don't wanna risk the warranty? Buy the hard drive and a $30 hard drive enclosure. That way you can plug it in through USB and not have to crack her open. Keep your music, movies, everything on there so if the cops come, you just rip it out and run.....

Or if one of your friends has final scratch or serato scratch, you can go mix your mp3's by bringing over your music.

As for the fan, I wouldn't worry about it unless your computer starts restarting by itself.


Karim

quote:

opening your computer shouldnt void a warranty, that would be stupid(but who knows, Futureshop is stupid)

If you buy a pre-configured machine, and it sounds like it is, and it is under the warranty period, when you open it, it does void the warranty. This is the case with all manufacturers, and not retailer policy.

If you're running Windows XP, upgrades are easy as pie. If you have only one HD and optical drive, you have nothing to worry about. All that needs to be "configured" is the jumpers on the back of the drive, specifying it as a slave drive. If you need help, let me know, I'll walk you through it. It's very easy.

Don't sweat this

This stuff is easy peazy. Added ram and hd tons of times and with no probs. Now software configs and compatability....that's another story.

Just install the damn thing and forget the warranty. it's not as if you've ever had to use it b4...or have you?
If you have....then never buy a pc from them again

Dude, get the drive, I'll install it FOR you... it's ridiculously easy.

I've built more than a few computers from scratch... and who do you think keeps fixing Brynne's computer?

I could even put it in before Decadence if you get it that soon! It literally takes a few minutes!

Believe it or not, all it takes is less than a half-an-hour and a Phillips screwdriver to install your primary IDE hard drive into your desktop PC. Simply follow this illustrated 13-step guide and it�s mission accomplished! Please make sure you consult your user manual and other manufacturer-provided documentation while you complete the installation - you will need to refer to instructions at certain points in the operation.


1. The first step is obvious! Power down your PC! And for safety measures make sure you have unplugged all your power cords



2. Next locate all the screws and/or clamps that hold the computer case and/or panels together..


3. Now it's time to gain access to the interior of the computer case. Simply remove the case or the panels that hold it together


4. If your PC happens to have a removable hard drive bracket, now is the time to remove it! It�s specially designed to be removed without hassles, and its absence will make this simple installation project even easier.


5. Now it's time to leaf through the documentation that came with your hard drive, along with any included diagrams, for instructions on how to set the jumpers on the drive. If you're the type of person who hates to read the instructions, bury your impulse to neglect this crucial step. If your system has but a single drive connected to the cable, use the �Cable Select� option; this will suffice in most cases when there is only one drive. If another drive exists it will be connected to the same IDE cable, using the �Master� setting.


6. You're almost halfway done! Wasn't that easy. Now the fun begins! Slide your hard drive into the drive bay, then fasten it down. Some cases employ a system in which slide rails mount onto the drive for easy insertion and removal from the drive bay.


7. Remember that removable drive bay bracket that you removed in Step 4? Now it's time to return it to the inside of the case.


8. You will find that most ATA/66 and ATA/100 IDE cables have either a blue connector or a connector labeled �System Board.� In the likely case that this applies to your PC, plug this blue connector into either the IDE0 (Primary) or IDE1 (Secondary) connector on the motherboard. The primary connector is color-coded blue, in most circumstances, to indicate that it should be used for a hard drive. Usually, you can insert the cables in but one way. However, if the cable is not keyed for one-way insertion, make sure that the red stripe on the IDE cable matches up to �Pin 1� on the motherboard.


9. Attach your connector that is located the farthest distance on the ribbon cable to the hard drive. Usually this connector is either black or labeled �Primary.� Make sure you place the red stripe on the cable at pin 1 of the hard drive�s connector. Note: Most drives are keyed to allow the cable to fit in only one specific way.


10. Now locate a 4-pin power connector from the power supply. Simply attach it to the hard drive�s power connector. You're almost done!


11. Next, replace your computer case or panel.


12. Tighten any screws or clamps to fasten down the case or panel.


13. Finally, reattach your computer�s power supplies.

Voila! You�re done. Your hard drive should now be installed and ready for operation. Now your computer BIOS must detect the hard drive the next time you power up your PC. Double-check your PC or motherboard user manual for instructions on how to detect a new hard drive. Perhaps you may need to change some of the parameters in BIOS to detect the hard drive on the controller. You must also format the drive before it can be used with the operating system. Again, consult your manufacturer-supplied documentation for additional information.


this is taken from tigerdirect.ca

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