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Drive Installation Complete 1 Allocating Drives to IDE Connectors

We now have all our 3.5" drives and 5.25" drives attached to the case. The next step will be to connect all devices to the mainboard using the appropriate cables. Ribbon cables will transfer signals between the drive and the mainboard. Other connectors will supply power. A special sound cable will transmit audio between the CD-RW drive and the mainboard or sound card.

The best order to connect the devices is the order that’s easiest for you. Sometimes one device will be hiding in a corner of the case, and it’s best to connect that device first. Other than that, the order in which you make these connections is unimportant. Just double check to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Before we get into specific connections, however, let’s take a look at how we will allocate drives between the two IDE channels, and some other issues relevant to component connection.

Drive Installation Complete 1 Allocating Drives to IDE Connectors