Using a SATA to IDE Dongle adapter, you can easily convert an IDE hard drive, to the newer and faster SATA interface.

In my situation, my computer only allowed me to connect one extra SATA hard drive. I have no available IDE bus's, and I was not removing my DVD burner.

Luckily, this little device, more commonly described as a Dongle, is widely available on eBay, is fairly cheap, and easily allows you to connect an IDE hard drive to a computer that does not have any available IDE interfaces.

The SATA to IDE Dongle adapter easily plugs into the IDE interface of your hard drive. You simply install your drive normally, and plug in the small adapter to the interface that you normally would connect the IDE cable to. Certain sellers include a SATA cable, but some dont! Be certain you have the proper wires, if you dont, make sure the item your bidding on clearly lists that it includes the SATA cable.

The SATA cable plugs in to the Dongle, and the other end in to the SATA port on your motherboard.

The Dongle does require a seperate power supply! Other than the power cable plugged into the hard drive, so make sure you have the proper power cable for the Dongle. My Dongle used the same type of power supply as a floppy drive, so i had an available power supply already in my computer. I cant stress how inportant it is to make sure you have the proper connections, that way you can purchase the correct item. So, take inventory of what your going to need. 1 SATA cable, 1 MOLEX Power Cable (floppy drive power connector), the Dongle, and of course, the IDE drive you want to convert to SATA.

The hard drive also needs it power! You must connect the power supply to the drive also, its the only thing that makes it spin!

Be sure to NOT exceed your computers limitations on hard drive size. If you do, it may result in data loss. Check with you PC manufacturer to find out what size limitations your computer's BIOS have.

If you do run into a size limitation problem, there is good news. Most good hard drives come with special software called "Dynamic Drive Overlay". This special software tells your computer that the hard drive is only a certain size, allowing your computer to boot up normally. Once Windows loads, Windows automatically configures the drive space that the Dynamic Drive Overlay was 'hiding', letting you have access to the full capacity of your drive!

Most retail hard drives, like at Walmart, are IDE, and alot of new computers are SATA, this product can come in handy if your trying to get around interface compatibility issues.