Older MB & 8GB Limit?

[Blain]

If I've got an older MB that has an 8GB limit on HDs...
Can I just "partition down" the drive to 8GB or less to make it work?
I know I'll be giving up some storage space, but you got to dance with the one that brung ya

Thanks

 

[dolphins]

yes you can. it'll just recognize your limit thats all not to sure on any performance issues though. Also you can check the mobo manufacturers website and see if they have any bios upgrades that can correct that rather than waste the space.

good luck

sorry for the double post hit the stupid button twice

 

[dolphins]

yes you can. it'll just recognize your limit thats all not to sure on any performance issues though. Also you can check the mobo manufacturers website and see if they have any bios upgrades that can correct that rather than waste the space.

good luck

 

[Blain]

Thanks

 

[DaddyG]

Nope, you got the wrong info. The BIOS will not handle more than 8gig cause it only uses 24bits for the cylinder, head and sector addressing. INT13 BIOS extensions added 4 more bits to address upto 128gig. You will need a software get around (not really recommended) a BIOS update, if there is one or, the best solution, an ADD in PCI Controller (promise ATA66 are good). Since most drives are ATA66 you will get the better performance and the BIOS support for about $30.

Update, maybe I mis-read 'partition it down'. You can set the cylinder head and sector manually which will limit the size, but this is not 'partitioning'.

 

[Blain]

I was thinking of just making an 8GB or less partition for the C: drive. And just cutting the rest of the disk loose to not be used.
I guess maybe I should have asked if the MB will see just it's C: partition, or will it try and use the whole HD?
I can go into the BIOS and just have it recognize the main partition can't I?