Hard Drive Query????

[jublee]

I have a Legend QDI slot 1 mobo, running win xp, but want to upgrade my hard drive, i've seen a 80gb maxtor ULTRA ATA/133


But don't understand what a ULTRA/ATA 133 is.....i have a standard IDE that's about all i know.



Will it work on mine or not?



Any info appreciated

[daniel brooks]

ata is the speed i would get the ide speed because they are cheaper yeah it should work with your system i have a 7 year old computer and mine work with a 30 gig hope this helps

[jublee]

Yeah that helps....thanks for the reply mate

[dunbar]

Beware - some older mobos, from around the time Slot 1 was first coming out, they had some BIOS limitations where they couldn't use more than 32 Gigs (or even less).
Reference: PC Mechanic discussing Pentium II arriving in 1997
and
Storage Reviewdiscussing a 33.8 GB limit in 1999...

The possibility exists that a Slot 1 mobo won't use >32 gig, even if you partition it, unless you use a drive utility to fool the BIOS.

[jublee]

Originally posted by dunbar
Beware - some older mobos, from around the time Slot 1 was first coming out, they had some BIOS limitations where they couldn't use more than 32 Gigs (or even less).
Reference: PC Mechanic discussing Pentium II arriving in 1997
and
Storage Reviewdiscussing a 33.8 GB limit in 1999...

The possibility exists that a Slot 1 mobo won't use >32 gig, even if you partition it, unless you use a drive utility to fool the BIOS.

Hmmmmmm, very interesting!

I think i'll stick to a 20 gig to be on the safe side.


Thanks Mate

[Jonty]

jublee - why don't you get a controller card and plug the new drive into that? The card has it's own BIOS and depending on the card spec will run the drive at it's rated speed, as well as giving you four more free slots for drives.

I too have a PII, but have a controller card with three drives running off it, two of which are the drives you are looking at Maxtor 80gb ATA133 7200rpm. They work lovely too, although only go at ATA100 as that is what the card is, but no problem with that.

[jublee]

Originally posted by Jonty
jublee - why don't you get a controller card and plug the new drive into that? The card has it's own BIOS and depending on the card spec will run the drive at it's rated speed, as well as giving you four more free slots for drives.

I too have a PII, but have a controller card with three drives running off it, two of which are the drives you are looking at Maxtor 80gb ATA133 7200rpm. They work lovely too, although only go at ATA100 as that is what the card is, but no problem with that.

EXCELLENT!!!

Are they called Controller Cards???............where can i pick 1 of those up??....computer fair or something??.....i'm also in the U.K


Thanks Mate

[Jonty]

Yes controller card is the name. I have a Promise card which is a good make and bought it about three years ago to get around the problem you are having.

Where to buy? Well, I've bought stuff from Novatech ( www.novatech.co.uk )down near Portsmouth - very good company, also Watford Electronics ( www.savastore.com ) who I also recommend, loads of other online places though.

Just looked at Novatech and they have one card, their own brand but not much detail: http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s...tml?NOV-ATA133

Good price though!

[jublee]

Thanks for the info mate.............very much appreciated

[Jonty]

You're welcome!!

Don't know how much you've seen the Maxtor for but Novatech are doing the 8mb cache one for £69.33 + £3 shipping, the 2mb model is a few £'s cheaper, but I think it's worth getting the 8mb one. Their delivery is excellent too, order it tonight and it will be with you Friday.

PS I am not connected with Novatech in any way - they just give great service and great prices and that is why I buy my stuff from them.