[Ham-Computers] RE: Too stupid to own a PC

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> Dave wrote in a PM:
There are 5 more connectors on the motherboard that look exactly like the one connected to the existing hard drive, and are in very close proximity to the current cable.. Could all 5 be SATA connectors?

>>> My reply (public post - hope you don't mind, Dave)
Yes, this sounds more like it.  Most motherboards have at least 2 SATA ports and "fully populated" motherboards will have 4 to 6.  They may be color coded, typically orange, black, or purple.  Each set of a certain color is usually connected to the same SATA controller.  On 2 and 4 port motherboards, the system Southbridge is usually the SATA host.  On 6 (or even 8) port motherboards, there is a second SATA controller in addition to the Southbridge.  Sometimes the first 2 ports are on the Southbridge and the other 4 on the add-on controller.  In other configurations, the first 4 ports are on the Southbridge, 2 are on the add-on controller, and the add-on controller also controls a single PATA bus (this is the way most new Intel-based motherboards are as the ICH8 Southbridge doesn't include PATA anymore).

So, it sounds like you just need to get a SATA cable and you'll be up and running.  If the new drive you purchased was a "retail boxed" drive, then a SATA cable should have been included.  Otherwise, they're about $5 on average.  BTW, make sure to buy a cable with a right-angle connector ("L" shaped) if your system needs it due to spacing.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O