ATA100

[dullard]

Simple questions, but I want to be certain before I make the purchase.

1) Can old computers use the newest ATA100 drives?
2) Does Win95 have a maximum partition size?

I'm considering purchasing a 60 GB IBM 60GXP. If there is a significantly better performing 60GB drive, let me know. However, please don't turn this into an anti-IBM flame war (yes I know the 75 model was unreliable).

 

[oldfart]

<< 1) Can old computers use the newest ATA100 drives? >>


How old? Yes, they can but the drive may run in PIO4, UDMA33, etc mode depending on the chipset used. You will lose quite a bit of performance. Adding in a PCI ATA100 controller card can fix that.


<< Does Win95 have a maximum partition size? >>


Win95 original had a max partition size of 2 gig (FAT16). That was fixed in Win95 OSR2 wich had FAT32

 

[dullard]

Thanks oldfart for the reply. The computer was bought in 1997. I know that was before ATA100 came out. It has the later Win95 version running since it was purchased right before Win98 came out.

This HD would be a gift for my brother. Is there a quick way of telling if it is PIO4 or UDMA33 mode? I'll have to sneak over to his computer when he isn't looking.

 

[oldfart]

1997...should be OK. Any idea what kind of PC? If it is a PII system, its ATA33. For PIO4, it would have to be pretty old like a socket 7 system. Running UDMA33 would cap your HD speed to ~ 33 MB/sec, which is pretty far from the ~ 43 MB/sec that a 60GXP can do. PIO4 is ~ 16 MB/sec, which would be a crime.

 

[dullard]

His computer is a AMD-K6, 350 MHz I think. Made by Compaq, but it isn't listed anywhere on the Compaq website (neither the model number nor the serial number). So I can't easily look up the information.

 

[oldfart]

When it posts, look at the BIOS screen and see if it shows the IDE as ATA33, UDMA33, UDMA2, etc... You could always get a Promise ATA controller card just to be sure. This way, you will also be sure to get the full performance out out the new drive.