500 MHZ PC Windows 2000 & 80GB HD. hmmmm?

[sulumnad]

Can I put an 80 gig hard drive in a 500MHZ with Windows2000? If not that size can I partition the HD drive down to something that a 500MHZ PC can use like 20G or 40G? Since 80GB is like the smallest Hard drives some places(BEST BUY) carry.

 

[bf0x]

The only way to find out is to try. It will tell you what it recognizes it at. Im not sure its the processor versus the motherboard and Operating system that will determine how big of a hard drive it will recognize. Give it a try.

 

[paulrw1]

Yes, you should be able to set up smaller partitions that your old pc's bios will recognize.

 

[wolluf]

No you can't set up smaller partitions unless the bios recognises the whole drive. Its the bios that matters - not the speed of processor - though that's an indication of likely age of mobo (though also depends on whether cpu is top or bottom end of mobo's capabilities).

If you can, check the mobo's site for bios upgrades and information about support for larger drives (I'd guess yours supports up to 32GB - possibly 120 - and if 32, possibly has an upgrade to enable support for 120). Download the latest bios upgrade and flash bios if necessary. It would be best if you could try a similar size drive before you buy.

Other options if it isn't supported:-

- overlay software (new drive manufacturer almost certainly will have this - eg, maxblast). NOT recommended, as leads to complications and porblems later.
- new PCI controller card (eg, Promise)

 

[garebo]

Stated by Woluf:
"- overlay software (new drive manufacturer almost certainly will have this - eg, maxblast). NOT recommended, as leads to complications and porblems later."

I agree 100% on that one so i never ever use overlay software. Caused me enuf probs long ago! Unless they have really improved i would stay away from them.

Often a bios upgrade will do the job.

If not, pci controller cards are great, easy to install, work very well, and are real low in price. All you would need for that system is an ultra 33 or ultra 66. Promise and Maxtor pci controllers are 2 brands, they are actually the same unit and they work great.



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