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General discussion

Want to add HD to older Dimension 4550. What size? brand?

by cnorton5 Jan 14, 2010 1:58PM PST

I have a older 2003 Dimension 4550 with a 60GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive that is almost full (2GB free). I want to add a second hard drive. I called Dell and one person said that I could only add another 60 GB Hard Drive. I don't understand why. Then I called again and a tech advised against adding an internal hard drive and said I should buy an external hard drive. I do want to eventually get an external drive to back up my computer but I like the idea of having memory inside my computer. My computer has a Intel Pentium 4 Processor at 2.53GHz. It came with 512MB DDR SDRAM at 333MHz and I just ordered another 512MB memory module which I may install tomorrow. One hard drive that I have seen advertised is a 80GB Seagate ST360021A for $54. Do I have to stick with 60GB? NOt that I really need much more anyway. Also, any ideas about good reliable hard drives? Thanks, Chris

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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I'd chance it.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 14, 2010 10:47PM PST

The only problems I know of are the BASE OS or the version of Windows supplied with the machine. "XP" and I'd like to limit the drive to 127GB. XP SP1 on the CD or later and we lift that limit.

FULL DETAILS at http://www.48bitlba.com Sorry but as I don't own your model I can't run a test for this area. But I would add a big drive since I could always have PLAN B which is to put it into some USB case.

No loss either what.

What may challenge most are these areas: Not an offer to document how to deal with each but areas for you to learn more.

1. Jumper and IDE cable settings.
2. How to partition and format your new drive.


So why not?

http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=423
(I own a few of the fast 400GB IDE drives and give it a thumbs up.)

Case at http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=BLK-35U2-IDE-SATA&cat=HDD for plan B.
Bob

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Thanks, the 48LAB link claritied things.
by cnorton5 Jan 15, 2010 12:38AM PST

Thanks Bob. That link about the 48 bit conversion explains alot. I have XP installed by Dell. I imagine its only 28 bit. So I'd be better off just sticking under the 137GB limit. Thanks alot for your help. Chris

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The limit only applies
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 15, 2010 1:16AM PST

To the fresh install of the OS and as soon as SP1 to SP3 are installed XP can access your over 127GB drive just fine. But if all you had was the XP CD the BOOT DRIVE might be a good idea to limit this.

However, I would have no qualms on getting that 400GB drive and going for it.
Bob

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re: HD
by cnorton5 Jan 15, 2010 1:46AM PST

I've got Windows 2002, Service Pack 3 already installed. Should that work? Chris

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I'll try again.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 15, 2010 2:39AM PST

The limit applies to the first install to the boot drive. XP is at that point limited to 137GB for the boot drive. After SP1 (or SP3) the data drives can be 400GB or such.
Bob

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