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General discussion

ATA-100/ 7200 drives not viable with this computer?

Oct 20, 2006 12:35AM PDT

Hello, everyone. I am back again-- unfortunately.

I posted a thread a short while ago asking about what I needed to know to upgrade my computer (Compaq 5bw130) with a new hard drive. But now I've come up with a new problem.

Upon research I came across a post that claimed that I wouldn't be able to add a 7200rpm/ATA-100 drive in my computer at all, because of the "BIOS" not being able to deal with it. The tech guy saying this claimed it had something to do with the motherboard and processor (Celeron, instead of Pentium). One of the models he lists as not being able to be upgraded with this type drive is my model. I don't want to quote another site, but I'll link to the message here --> http://www2.geek.com/cgi-bin/discus//show.cgi?tpc=196&post=46478#POST46478

Does this sound right?

I know, you're probably asking, "Well, why don't you just go to the official site?" Well, I went to customer service with this very specific question and instead was given a form response "advising" me to go to an HP "seller" in my area if I wanted the hard drive upgraded. Well, I don't want to go to an "HP seller", because I want the freedom to choose what brand hard drive I want for my computer.

I know you're probably asking as well, "Just buy a new computer." To that, I say, "I don't want or need a new computer. I'm not a hardcore gamer or high end software user."

Lastly, you're probably asking, "Well, why go with ATA-100 drive?" Well, they appear to be less expensive and more readily available.

What's your takes on this? I'm asking for a second opinion.

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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ATA-133 is fine on AT-100 and ATA-66 connections. But,
Oct 20, 2006 12:40AM PDT

What you will learn is not all machines support today's new big drives.

http://www.48bitlba.com notes why this is so.

Sorry to see someone get derailed on ATA-100 and not the real issue.

A workaround to getting a big drive on such a machine is to put the drive in an USB 2.0 connected housing.

Bob

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Thanks for your response.
Oct 20, 2006 6:02AM PDT

I'll look into the site you posted.

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If you have an open PCI slot you could add a controller
Oct 20, 2006 11:42AM PDT

with BIOS that would circumvent the BIOS problem and ATA-100 or 133 Interface Issue. You could get a Promise PCI controller for PATA HDD or even an SATA HDD...lots of choices. With the PCI controller you get the full speed of the new drive and full capacity of new HDD you buy. It's really your best bet for adding a new faster, larger HDD to an older system.

VAPCMD

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Hi! Thanks for your controller suggestion! Questions...
Oct 21, 2006 11:06PM PDT

By PCI slot, do you mean the place where you add video cards, graphic cards, etc?

If so, then yes, I do have an open slot.

I'll look into this as well. I'd really hate to scrap a perfectly good, functional computer for the sake of upgrading the hard drive! Wink

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That's it...PCI usually white 3.5" length with one divider
Oct 22, 2006 1:31AM PDT

Just follow the directions re installing: first the card, then the drivers and then attach the new drive.
Then just partition and format the drive.

Let us know how it turns out.

VAPCMD

PS...I've used a number of the Promise Technology controller cards and recommend them.