Enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing during startup) to confirm the new drive is detected. You should see it listed under storage devices.

– Coming from your power supply, this is a wider, flat connector (often with 15 pins). It only fits one way. Plug it firmly into the corresponding port on the drive.

With your new HDD installed and formatted, you’ve added reliable bulk storage that can serve you for years. Whether you’re archiving photos, installing a large game library, or setting up a home media server, the extra space will keep your primary drive lean and responsive.

Tip: Route cables behind the motherboard tray if your case supports cable management – this improves airflow and keeps the interior tidy.

Some cases require you to remove the entire drive cage first, mount the HDD, then reinstall the cage.