I was contemplating some upgrades to my computer a few weeks ago and I've decided about the only hardware upgrade I want to do is replace my hard drive with a larger one. Here's the problem: I don't really know how to go about selecting one, and trying to figure it out has only given me a headache. Here's some background info about my computer: A little over two years old, Pentium III (450), 9.1 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM). I'd like to get a hard drive between the 30 & 60 GB range, if I can. With that kind of storage, I won't need anything else for a long time (except maybe a CD-RW). If I can get a bigger one (60 GB), I think I might partition it and give Linux a try. When I looked up the information on mine, it just said that it's an Ultra ATA (no number after it). What's the difference between Ultra ATA (with nothing after it), Ultra ATA 66, Ultra ATA 100 and Ultra ATA 133. Are they compatible? How can I tell, quickly and easily, if I have a 40-pin or 80-pin? If it seems like I have no idea what I'm talking about, it's because I don't. I've tried doing a little reading on the net and came away with more questions than answers.
1) Make sure your PC's BIOS will recognize a drive as large as 60 GB. There are BIOS' made just 2 years ago that have trouble recognizing drives larger than 30-40 GB. Call up whoever built your pc or go to the manufacturer's website and see if you can get some assistance in finding whether or not your BIOS will support drives this large. 2) You have a 40-pin connector. 3) Since you're not trying to build a "kick-ass overclocked" machine, the ATA-100, ATA-66, etc. references probably won't mean squat to you, but let's just keep it simple by saying that ATA-100 is meant to be faster than ATA-66, but most often you won't even be able to tell a difference. 4) I'm not sure if your PC will support a new ATA-100 or greater drive. But it really won't matter, they're backward compatible, so even if your PC doesn't support ATA-100 or higher, the drive can accomodate the slower ATA-33 or ATA-66 interfaces. 5) When you look at prices, keep in mind that 7200 RPM drives cost more than 5400 RPM drives because, well... they're technically faster drives. So you can see a 7200 RPM 60 GB drive that costs $40 more than a 5400 RPM 60 GB drive.
I strongly suggest the IBM 60GXP, which comes in 20, 40, or 60 gig. Relatively cheap, they are pretty much silent and quick as hell.
Amen! I just picked one up this morning in Houston (www.directron.com). The only drives I buy now are IBM's or Maxtors. In terms of performance and pricing, they dominate. I picked mine up for $149 + tax (it's a 61.5 GB drive). The 60 GXP's are IBM's latest drives, and oddly enough, the 75 GXP's are the previous generation. Anyway, if you buy from Directron, place an order online before you go to pick it up or they'll tack on another $10. I've bought cases, hard drives, cd rom's, etc. from them and they've always been reliable and a reputable company, to boot.
HAHA -- I was gonna say the EXACT same thing. I meant to buy it at Directron as well, but picked it up at <a href="http://www.puicorp.com">PowerUp</a> for the same price. It's running BEAUTIFULLY with my new Athlon XP DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT buy the 75 gig drive though. Many problems have been reported with it. Good call on Directron. I bought some stuff from them. Fairly good price, although I find that PowerUp does a better job with quality, things are typically cheaper, they carry more inventory, and the people there are really cool. Talk to Jason -- he was very helpful in me getting a better HSF than I was about to purchase (Thermal Right versus the DragonOrb 3).
It'll be running beautifully with my new Athlon XP as soon as I get the chip... which won't be until I can freakin' find one of those EPOX KT266a mobos. Yeah, yeah, and we know you got yours free... Thanks for the info on PowerUp. I'll add them to my list of places to buy stuff from. I had never heard of them till you mentioned them. Hmm... I was gonna get a Dragon Orb, too. Maybe I need to research fans a bit better.
just ordered the ibm deskstar 60xp, should be in by monday. everything ive read has said this is a great drive this was the cheapest site i could find that was also reliable too http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=14&manufactory=1302 its oem, if that matters to you.
The Thermalright SK6 is an all-copper Heatsink, with your choice of a 5000 or 7000 RPM Fan. I use the 7k fan, and it works wonders. It's such a small, light unit that you wouldn't expect the performance it provides. By far the best value, and arguably the best overall HSF (although that Alpha is REALLY NICE). There are reviews all around, and everyone agrees it kicks ass. I was gonna get the DragonOrb 3 as it looked like a GREAT cooler at a solid price. However, comparing that to the Thermalright -- it's not even close. Major props to the good people at PowerUp for hooking me up with a good deal and a great product.
Newegg is another great site; I've bought from them several times. FYI, go to www.mwave.com and see if you notice any similarities with the Newegg site. The only thing I hate about Newegg is their shipping costs if you buy several items at once. That could start adding up really quickly.
I'm running an Alpha on my current AMD TBird. I think it puts out 38 cfm. I haven't had any overheating problems, but then I have a tower case (Fong Kai) and a bunch of fans, so cooling isn't a problem, especially since I don't overclock anymore. The only thing I hate is the fans are too freaking loud; I feel like I'm on a plane when I power up.
I used to have the gobalwin FOP38; man was that one loud mofo. The loud pitchy sound drove me crazy, I couldn’t hear the TV in my living room at all. I looked into water-cooling my CPU, but had no cash at that time. So I replaced the delta 6800RPM fan with a 80mm nice and quiet Panaflo fan. And my ears thanked me every since. My cpu temps during the summer hit around 46C and during cooler months, the temp hovers at 42C with the Panaflo fan, granted the Delta fan that originally came with the FOP38 heatsink cooled better (about 3 degrees C) but the sound was unbearable. IBM hard drives are awesome, I have an IBM hd that is around a couple of years old, an old 20GB and it performs great. Vengeance, are you going to overclock your XP? If you are, please share your results.
