Storage

08 Storage

What you will need

SSD Motherboard

Case Screwdriver

46 // How to Build a Computer The storage devices we are going to talk about in this section are Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD). These storage devices can be used at the same time in your computer if you so choose, and they are also easily interchangeable if you needed to upgrade to more space. The storage device is also a very important part since it stores all your data, programs, operating system, and so much more. The two types of storage devices are primary and secondary.

Primary storage device

These storage devices are usually smaller and are designed to be installed internally in your computer. They also store data temporarily but have the fastest speed for data access.

Secondary storage devices

These storage devices have more storage capacity, and unlike primary storage, they store data permanently. These storage devices can be installed or plugged in to you computer. The different types of secondary storage are HDD, USB, etc. There are other types of storage such as cloud and virtual.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is one of the newest ways of storing various types of media that is accessible from anywhere. This type of storage allows you to store any data virtually instead of using a physical storage device. Cloud storage is a great way to back up your physical HDD or SSD in the event that they get damaged or erased, but this form of storage also has a cost. Now that we understand what types of storage are available for your computer, let’s talk about how HDD and SSD storage devices differ from one another.

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SSD

SSD storage devices do not use a spinning disk as the HDD does, but instead, they use what is called flash memory. SSDs tend to be much smaller than HDDs and can access data much faster. They can also provide faster boot-up times for your operating system and programs. In fact, most desktops and laptops are coming preinstalled with SSD for the improved speed and performance over HDD. However, this does mean that SSDs tend to cost a little more. For this build, we will be installing an SSD.

HDD

HDD storage is much slower than SSDs, but they are generally cheaper for a lot more storage space. These hard drives are not using flash memory, rather, they use a disk that reads and writes data to it. The data stored on an HDD is done magnetically which can make them susceptible to data loss. The nice thing about both storage devices is that they use standard Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connections for install.

48 // How to Build a Computer Now that we’ve covered that, let’s take a look at the SSD and get familiar with connectors before we begin the installation.

SATA connector

This where you plug your SSD into your motherboard with a SATA cable.

Power connector

This is also a SATA cable, but this one is larger and is connected from your PSU.

Retention clip

These four holes allow for the plastic storage bay to clip into place and secure the SSD to the bay.

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Let’s install the SSD!

First, we will find the drive bays. These bays are typically plastic and located towards the front of the case in a stack formation. The benefit of these bays is that they do not require you to use tools to install your storage device. They can usually take SSD and HDD storage devices. You will notice they are in a stack so that you can put more than one storage device here if you choose. Once the SSD is in the plastic tray simply push the tray back into the bay until it clicks into place. You should not have to force this into place.

If you do not have these plastic bays in your case, you will have to screw the SSD to the side of the case. This will only take two or four screws to secure it in place. In the package of your SSD, you will notice a metal bracket to slide the SSD into. Once that is finished, line the screw holes up to the holes on your case to screw it in place.

Connecting the SATA cables

Now, we need to connect it to the motherboard and PSU with SATA cables. As illustrated earlier, you will need to find the SATA connector and the power connector, but usually, your SSD will come with a SATA cable in the box. The power

50 // How to Build a Computer connector is longer than the SATA connector and is inserted into its proper place on the SSD. After these connectors are inserted into the SSD, you will need to locate the SATA cable and plug that into its appropriate labeled spot on the motherboard. If you are also installing an HDD, it is done the same way. The only difference is that you cannot mount it to the side of the case. The HDD will have to go into the plastic tray.

Congratulations on installing your storage device! This means that all your parts are finally installed into our computer! The only thing left now is cable management so that cables aren’t in the way of other parts. Next, we will talk about the operating system and other things needed to complete the build.

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