Micro Computer Hardware Servicing: Installing the Hard Drive

Since the hard drive is where all the information on a computer is stored it will be used quite a bit and therefore will generate a good amount of heat. That's why it's important to place it where it will get plenty of ventilation. If you look at the open case on the right, you'll notice the pictured below where all the devices will be secured. The hard drive typically goes on the bottom of this rack to provide plenty of ventilation. If you have two hard drives, make sure not to put them right on top of each other, leave at least an inch of space between the two.

The best way to situate the hard drive in there is to orient it so the pins and plug are facing towards the inside of the computer. Take your hard drive and slide it towards the front of the computer into the rack I mentioned. Now just make sure that the holes in the side of the hard drive align with the holes in the rack. Hard drives usually require large thread screws but if those don't seem to go in very easily, then just try small thread screws to see if that works better. Use 2 screws to secure the side of the hard drive that's facing you. It isn't usually necessary to use 2 screws on the other side as well, but you can if you want.