Diy hard drive replacement: your dell precision 5820 tower made new again

Essential Information

Replacing the hard drive in a Dell Precision 5820 Tower is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.
Whether you’re upgrading to a larger drive or replacing a faulty one, this guide will provide you with the necessary instructions to ensure a successful installation.
However, if you are replacing a faulty hard drive with a new one of the same type, you may be able to clone the old drive to the new one to avoid reinstalling the operating system.

Replacing the hard drive in a Dell Precision 5820 Tower is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger drive or replacing a faulty one, this guide will provide you with the necessary instructions to ensure a successful installation.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, it’s essential to take safety precautions to prevent damage to your computer or its components:

Power down your computer and unplug it from the power outlet.
Discharge any static electricity by touching a grounded metal object.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap if possible.

Tools and Materials Required

To replace the hard drive, you will need the following tools and materials:

Phillips #2 screwdriver
New SATA hard drive
Anti-static mat (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the Side Panel

Locate the side panel on the left side of the tower.
Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the side panel.
Slide the side panel back and lift it off the tower.

2. Locate the Hard Drive Bay

Identify the hard drive bay inside the tower.
It is typically located at the bottom of the chassis, behind the front panel.

3. Disconnect the Hard Drive Cables

Carefully disconnect the SATA data cable and power cable from the hard drive.
Note the orientation of the SATA data cable for reinstallation.

4. Remove the Hard Drive

Locate the two screws securing the hard drive to the bay.
Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screws.
Gently lift the hard drive out of the bay.

5. Install the New Hard Drive

Align the new hard drive with the bay.
Slide the hard drive into place until it clicks into position.
Secure the hard drive with the two screws.

6. Connect the Hard Drive Cables

Connect the SATA data cable to the new hard drive.
Connect the power cable to the new hard drive.
Ensure that the cables are securely fastened.

7. Reinstall the Side Panel

Slide the side panel back onto the tower.
Secure the side panel with the two screws.

8. Power On and Test

Plug your computer back into the power outlet.
Power on your computer.
Check the BIOS or disk management utility to ensure that the new hard drive is recognized.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the replacement process, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Hard drive not recognized: Ensure that the SATA data cable and power cable are securely connected to both the hard drive and the motherboard.
Computer not booting: Check that the new hard drive is properly installed and that the BIOS settings are correct.
Data loss: If you are replacing a faulty hard drive, ensure that you have backed up your data before removing the old drive.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the hard drive in a Dell Precision 5820 Tower is a straightforward task that can be completed by following these simple steps. By taking proper safety precautions and using the correct tools, you can ensure a successful installation and keep your computer running smoothly.