Need advice for buying new hard disk for 400mhz system

[Coroloro]

I'm going to get a secondary (slave) hard disk for my sister's somewhat older computer, an Acer 400 mhz system which currently has an 8 gig hard disk. I use pricewatch.com, and I'm thinking about getting her something like a 60 gig hard disk, however I've learned from experience that before I do I'd better check here. Last time, I got her RAM and found out it was too big for her system. So, I wanted to know if there is any factor I should take into account, if there is any reason her system couldn't handle that big a hard disk or such, before I went ahead and bought it. I'd appreciate any advice that could be given... is there any reason to go for a smaller hard disk, or should a 60 gig work? I appreciate your help!

-Patrick

[BigDaddyJ]

Coroloro-- I would think the main consideration would be need. Does your sister really need a 60GB hard disk? How much of the 8GB disk has she used? Is she going to be dealing with large media files that may require 60GB? Sure 60GB is nice if money is not an issue, but, IMHO I don't see the point in going so large. That being said I don't know what her needs are. Not sure what your MOBO or other configuration is but something like Western Digital EIDE 20GB should be fine. Pricewatch seems to have some good deals if you can catch them. Give somemore specs and these guys here can go into more detail with you. Good luck

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We are all Gods

[Randy_tx]

In addition to what Big Daddy said.....some mainboards on older sytems can't see these new giant hard drives without a bunch of "overlay" software to fool the bios. The software works ok; however, I'd rather not have to use it. If she can do with 15-20 gig's, that's what I would get.

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XP didn't save Me !

[Coroloro]

I went ahead and ordered a 60 gig disk... that was before I got the second post here, but my decision really was based on price. The 60 gig wasn't really that much, my sister is a pack-rat and really wanted the extra space. She downloads a ton of files, mp3's particularly, and has used up all but 600 megs of her 8 meg disk. She'd had no trouble filling a 20 gig given time, and since a 60 gig wasn't much more on pricewatch than a 40 gig, I went ahead and got it. In case I need it, where would I find this overlay software you mentioned? How will I know if it is needed... will the computer just not recognize the new hard disk?

Thank you greatly for your aid!

-Patrick

[rond36]

You may not need the overlay but if you do you can get at the drive manufacturers web site if you can give more info on the system the drive is going in we can find out if you need to overlay the drive.

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I think Windows XP and Microsoft use more of my bandwidth than I do!

[Paleo Pete]

When you boot the computer use the [Pause] key to stop it while the memory counts up. In the lower left corner should be a BIOS ID string, a long number. Write that down, any other key will let it resume booting.

Take that number to Wim's BIOS (http://www.wimsbios.com) and look it up. You should be able to find a motherboard manual, and BIOS updates, which might be handy.

Unfortunately most manuals do not specify whether the board will handle large capacity drives, but they will tell you what drive types are supported. ATA 33 etc. That might give you a clue, if it supports ATA66 you might be in good shape. With the 400MHz CPU chances are it is not limited to 8GB, which is the limit on many older boards. Pentium II was usually the cutoff for large drive problems, but it still might not handle more than 10-20GB.

Also check for tech support links when you find out what the board is. They may list either a tech support email address, FAQ or a forum specific to that manufacturer's products. Those might be helpful.

I agree with Randy, BIOS overlay software works, but I prefer not to use it if I can get around it.

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[Coroloro]

I've checked out my sister's computer to try to find out the motherboard she has, according to the directions given... I may need a little help going further though. Here is the information I obtained:

Main Board Serial Number:
55.38A01.00184300591KC
Board ID: V66M
BIOS ver 3.2
DMI Bios ver 2.00.1

Alright, I don't know if this is all you guys need, but I couldn't find out anymore on the motherboard, and I looked at the physical board and couldn't find out more things, such as the vendor... I'm guessing that is on the back. Your help is so dearly appreciated, thank you!

-Patrick

[mjc]

Here (http://www.acersupport.com/library/p6100ug.pdf) is the manual in PDF format...a quick look over the manual and I didn't find much about it except that it does handle LBA and tath it will handle drives larger than 540MB....but doesn't ay how large.

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Boo Radley]

Just on the issue of ATA 33/66/100 etc etc....

If my BIOS supports drives larger than 136GB (as it does), is there anything else I need be concerned about if buying a large HDD?

I currently have a 10.2GB WD, but am looking to a 40GB WD, Seagate or Maxtor 7200rpm

I'm pretty sure my Aopen AX63 m/board is ATA 33.. but I could be wrong...

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Boo!®