The Hard Drive

The hard drive I chose is the Western Digital WD7500AAKS 750GB SATA 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 Sonata II computer case I'm using doesn't need them. It also does not include mounting screws, which I do need, but these are included with the Antec Sonata II computer case.

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.

Data Lifeguard Diagnostics

Data Lifeguard Diagnostics is available for free from Western Digital's Software Library Download page. The right one for the SATA II hard drive is the "Data Lifeguard Diagnostics For DOS (CD)" version for a "2nd Gen. Serial ATA WD Caviar@SE - 7200 RPM" hard drive. The download will end up creating Data Lifeguard Diagnostics on a CD.

Data Lifeguard Diagnostics is used to certify the integrity of Western Digital hard drives. The diagnostics will be loaded by booting the computer from the CD in the optical drive once the hard drive is installed and prior to installing anything on the hard drive. 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.

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 - 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 hard drive! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 7200rpm SATA 300 MB/s Newegg $74.99 Free shipping! OEM version. Serial ATA II hard drive. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. This hard drive has the very large 16MB cache. If you're including a floppy drive in your build then any brand is fine, such as Teac, Mitsumi, or Sony. Amazon has a good selection. If color coordination with the case is a factor then this Sony floppy drive with multiple colored faceplates included is nice. Portable Storage SanDisk 4GB USB Flash Drive Amazon $14.99 Free shipping! Clicking the link takes you directly to it. A portable storage device like this can come in handy for for transferring files from one computer to another. It fits easily into your hand or pocket, and works simply by plugging it into a USB port on the computer, which often is on the front of the case. Backup Tips - Protect Your Valuable Data. Antec MX-1 Hard Drive Enclosure Amazon $37.67 Free shipping! Clicking the link takes you directly to it. Put a SATA hard drive in an enclosure like this, and connect it externally to your computer via a USB port or eSata port. Then copy over critical files periodically. 2BrightSparks SyncBack 2BrightSparks Free Free download! Clicking the link takes you directly to the download page. The freeware version is near the bottom of the page. Use a freeware utility like SyncBack to schedule automatic copy operations to your backup hard drive. Online Backup Mozy Free Off-site backups give maximum backup protection. Mozy is free for under 2GB with no credit card required. Unlimited backup space is available for $4.95 per month.

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
	Tools
	Computer Case and Power Supply
	Motherboard
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound
	RAM - System Memory
	Video Card
	Monitor
	Keyboard and Mouse
	Hard Drive
	DVD RW
	Sound Card and Speakers
	Modem
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard
	Install the CPU Cooler
	Install the RAM - System Memory
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case
	Install the Video Card
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard
	Connect the System Panel Cables
	Ready the Monitor
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse
	First Boot
	First Boot Common Problems
	Install the DVD RW Drive
	Install the SATA Hard Drive
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound)
	Second Boot
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings
	Test The Hard Drive
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP
	Install the Operating System - Windows Vista
	Driver Installation

Back to My Super PC - Home Page

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