can floppy drive be replaced with HD

[Vad3r]

As usual, need more disk space with an older computer. Can I remove my floppy drive, and put a HD in it's place ?.
I think it can be done, but I'm already using IDE 1 (master & slave), IDE 2 (the same).
Will it / can it work ?.

I have to HD's, and CD-ROM & DVD-RW.

 

[allanon1965]

no, the floppy cables and IDE cables are not compatabile, physically the HD will fit the slot, but thats where the similarities end...

 

[Bobthelost]

no you can't.

You'll need either a IDE PCI card to get more IDE channels, or a SATA PCI card to get SATA ports, or if you've got SATA ports on the motherboard you could use them.

 

[Dman877]

Does this comp have USB 2.0 or firewire? If so, you could add an external drive. If it doesn't have those ports, you'll need some sort of expansion card.

 

[thunderhorse]

I agree with Dman877. With your rig you should have at least 1 USB 1.0 port. Hook up an external HHD and go. And if you only have 1 USB port, go to Walie World and get a externally AC powered USB expander (4 ports) and start adding on. Kind of like building a house but no windows. I didn't say that.



edit: By the way I run 2 Western Digital 80g Passport HHDs. One on my laptop and one on my wifes machine at home. Both run off the USB ports. They are 5400 rpm, a little slow for large games but they get the job done.

 

[Vad3r]

wow, thanks for the quick replies.
Well, good thing I didn't try it

No, no usb 2.0 or firewire. I really need a new pc

So with a IDE PCI card I can add more ?. While I haven't checked inside, will I have to unplug the floppy to power the added HD with a PCI card.
Hope that doesn't sound silly, I didn't know you could add more IDE devies with a PCI card.

 

[pkme2]

You can add more devices with an USB 2.0 PCI card.

 

[dBTelos]

pkme, USB PCI card? vad3r, you get a PCI card that supports the ATA level you are looking for with the right features, options, etc. purchase and configure in bios or included software.

 

[Cerb]

My neighbor has a computer w/ 4 PATA cables.

Do yourself a favor and go SATA. I would trust any cheap Silicon Image card (Newegg typicall has a Koutech or Syba pretty cheap).