Hard drive type

[Ajmukon]

I have an old computer (a DELL demension 3400 i think)
P3 900mhz processor, 40GB HDD (failed) 7 years old.
i replaced the Failed HDD with a NEC READY SYSTEM- IBM OEM 1.7 (i thought is was larger) GB HDD. (i am trying to install Linux [Ubuntu-too big-,so i think i will use Damn Small Lunix] on it for experimental puposes)

Both use the large cable, but i cannot find which larger cable to use to buy a bigger HDD or does it not matter? (ULTRA ATA, PATA, EIDE, IDE etc)

[pentachris]

(ULTRA ATA, PATA, EIDE, IDE etc)

Those are all - well, not exactly interchangeable, but...

Long story short: get an Ultra ATA/133 EIDE cable. It will work.

[Ajmukon]

thank you!

[mjc]

Ultra ATA/EIDE/PATA are pretty much the same thing...

About the only difference between them and IDE cables is that the "ultra" designation means that cable has 40 pins (39 actually, because one pin is pulled...but that is another story) and 80 wires. Non-ultra IDE cables are 40 pin/40 wire. The 80 wire cables are needed for the higher 'ultra ATA' speeds, not drive capacity.

[Ajmukon]

What i meant was waht HDD to use- i did not plan on changing the cable- just which HDD should i use- if it does not amtter- i will buy the 50.00 Western digital if i cannot get Damn Small Lunix to work!

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Don't punish that computer with a 1.7gig HDD. Put something decent in it. 20 gigs minimum.

[Ajmukon]

that is all i had on hand right now!

but i think i will consider getting a 40GB for 41.99

[mjc]

Why not an 80 GB for the same price?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144102

Or a 160 GB for not too much more...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136112

[Ajmukon]

160 GB would be a waste as it would not be used very much.

all i need is ~40 GB
but ~80GB for the same price sounds good