The Hard Drive

The hard drive I chose is the Western Digital WD1200JB 120GB hard drive, OEM version. It's an amazingly quiet and fast hard drive. I purchased the OEM version (so called "white box") of the hard drive because it's cheaper. The OEM version does not include mounting brackets, but the Antec KS-282 computer case I'm using doesn't need them. It also does not include mounting screws, which I do need, but these are easy to obtain from Radio Shack.

Here is typical OEM packaging. Bubble wrap with the hard drive sealed in an antistatic bag.

Here are front and rear shots of the hard drive, plus a picture of the mounting screws for the hard drive. The Western Digital WD1200JB hard drive, like most hard drives, has 6 places for screws, three on each side. A total of six round-head machine screws, size 6-32, length 1/4 inch are needed. And, of course, a flathead screwdriver is needed as well. You can pick up a variety pack of screws that will more than you need at a place like Radio Shack.

Data Lifeguard. This utility is available for free on Western Digital's Software Library Download page. It's used to certify the integrity of Western Digital hard drives. Although it's not absolutely necessary to use the Data Lifeguard utility as part of the hard drive install, it's certainly a good idea. After all, we're talking about the integrity of the data on the computer! The ideal time to use Data Lifeguard is now, while the computer is being built, and prior to it's having anything valuable on it, so that the full battery of tests can be run, including the ones that write data. However even the read-only tests are worthwhile. The download will end up creating Data Lifeguard on a floppy disk.

To find a similar utility for a hard drive made by a different manufacturer, check the My Super PC - Hard Drive page for reference links.

Next: Computer Assembly - CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW

My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable prices is on my home page at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a motherboard! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB 7200rpm Parallel ATA100 Amazon $71.25 Free shipping! OEM version. Standard IDE/PATA (parallel ATA) hard drive. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 7200rpm Parallel ATA100 Amazon $89.99 Free shipping! OEM version. Standard IDE/PATA (parallel ATA) hard drive. Clicking the link takes you directly to it.

Back to My Super PC - Home Page

How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

Back to My Super PC - Home Page

© 2001-2008, Rob Williams, all rights reserved.