Installing an SSD, or a solid state disk drive in your DELL desktop computer has many benefits over the older hard disk drives, like faster boot times, plus, it's really easy to do.
Here's how.
But before you begin there are a couple things you need to know.
First, if you have the install discs that came with your computer, the setup will be a breeze, otherwise, you will need to backup or clone your old hard drive.
And it's always a good idea to make sure your system BIOS is up-to-date first, so check Dell's website before you begin.
Next, your work surface should be clean and you should ground yourself first by touching an unpainted metal surface to prevent damage to any components.
Start by shutting down your computer and removing all cables from the back.
And it's important to remember where each cable belongs when plugging them back in after you're finished.
If you plan on adding the SSD drive, instead of replacing your old hard drive, you need an available drive bay, which should be easily accessible inside the computer, by removing one of the side panels.
In most cases, you wont need any tools whatsoever to remove the side panel, because several computer manufacturers have switched to easy-to-remove thumbscrews or latches.
Otherwise, consult Dell's website before you begin.
Once you get it open you'll have a clear view of the drive bays, find old hard drive and you'll most likely find another bay nearby.
If you don't have a 2.
5" drive bay available, you'll have to attach a bracket, like this, to the SSD to fit the larger 3.
5" drive bay.
Slide the drive in to place with the SATA and power connector facing outwards where you can access them, and line up the holes to screw it securely into place.
Now, locate an unused power cable inside the computer.
Any one will do, just follow the group of cable coming from the power supply until you find one.
Or, use the existing power cable from your old hard drive and connect it to the SSD.
Next, connect the SATA cable from the motherboard to the SSD.
You can follow the SATA cable from your old hard drive to the motherboard to find and available SATA connectrion or use the existing cable that was connect to your old hard drive if your replacing your old hard drive.
Now, connect the other end to the SSD.
Slide the side panel back on, screw it into place, plug the cables back in, and with that done, now turn on your computer and insert the operating system installation CDs.
And when prompted, boot from the CD-ROM drive.
You can now install the operating system to the new SSD, just be sure that if you left your old hard drive in, that you don't re-install over your old hard drive, or you could lose all your data.
And you might also have to change the boot order from the old hard drive to the new SSD before copying over your files or after you restore from a backup.
And that's it! If you have any other questions or need additional help installing an SSD drive in your computer, be sure to visit www.
Kingston.
Com/support for more information.
Thanks for watching.