Help with upgrading my computer.

[el_omega]

Hi, members of Zeropaid.
It is time for me to move up.
I want to go from a 40gb hard drive to a 120gb
Question is Should I just add this new h/d? or Should I get rid of the old one and just install this 120gb new one?
My motherboard specs are:

Motherboard Properties Motherboard ID 03/14/2002-SiS646-P4S533 Motherboard Name Asus P4S533 Front Side Bus Properties Bus Type Intel NetBurst Bus Width 64-bit Real Clock 101 MHz (QDR) Effective Clock 403 MHz Bandwidth 3224 MB/s Chipset Bus Properties Bus Type SiS MuTIOL Bus Width 16-bit Motherboard Physical Info CPU Sockets/Slots 1 Expansion Slots 6 PCI, 1 AGP RAM Slots 3 DIMM Integrated Devices Audio Form Factor ATX Motherboard Size 220 mm x 300 mm Motherboard Chipset SiS645DX Extra Features Q-Fan, JumperFree, Stepless Freq Selection Motherboard Manufacturer Company Name ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Product Information /http://www.asus.com.tw/mb/mbindex.htm BIOS Download /http://download.asus.com.tw/mb_alllist.asp

I also have a problem with my memory upgrade:

I want to go from 256mb ram to 512mb.

Can I only add another 256 or Do I have to just install one of 512mb.

I know I cannot mix two diffrerent manufacturers together.

Any advise?

Thanks for all help provided, I will check for anwser in a couple of hours or so.

[g-smooth2k]

how many bays do you have?

No. of 5.25" and No. of 3.5" Bays exposed and Hidden

How bays is being used ? (5.25" & 3.5")

How much RAM do you have?

What kind of RAM are you using?

How many sticks of RAM do you have?

How many open RAM sockets do you have?

[nasrules]

you can mix manufacturers, you just can't mix types (sd, ddr, rd etc.)

[el_omega]

Bays? I don't know what this mean.

I currently have a Micron Tech. (256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM) card.
I have 3 DIMM open slots.

[el_omega]

you can mix manufacturers, you just can't mix types (sd, ddr, rd etc.)

did not know that, but thanks for sharing that.

Could I just take the one I have and replace it with just one of 512mb?

If so, maybe I would do this because it seems hard for me to find another 256 from same manufacturer.

[g-smooth2k]

You can Mix manufacturers Memory.

You can install another

256 MB of DDR PC 2100 333 MHz 184-pin DIMM or

512 MB of DDR PC 2100 333 MHz 184-pin DIMM

I have mixed manufacturers memory and it works fine

as long as it is the same type of memory.

but you cannot mix a SDRAM with a DDR RAM memory

problems will occur.

[g-smooth2k]

Originally posted by el_omega
Bays? I don't know what this mean.

I currently have a Micron Tech. (256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM) card.
I have 3 DIMM open slots.

Bays CDROM is using 5.25" Bay
Floppy Drive is using a 3.5" Bay

Oh Did you build the computer or

did you buy a computer from a manufacturer?

[nasrules]

you could add either a

256MB DDR DIMM

or a

512MB DDR DIMM

chances are the one you have will be a 168-pin module and slot.

it doesn't matter about the manufacturer, just make sure it's DDR.

[cpugeniusmv]

seems like my buddies have answered the memory question, now onto the harddrive:

if you want the max space for what you've got, i'd leave the 40 in and put the 120 in as well, if you put them on the same ide cable, just make sure that you set the 40 gig jumper to master, and the 120 to slave.

[vipp]

When I needed more space ( I had 40 GB), I simply bought a new 80 GB hard drive, and added it in. Now I have 120 GB. I mainly use the 80 for storage of files, and the 40 for programs.

Also, when I upgraded RAM, I bought two 256's, because that was cheaper than getting one 512. I found pricewatch.com is the best place to price shop. (heh, no wonder they named it that)

[phalkon30]

Just to sum some stuff up here....

You can mix manufacturers (and off brand memory is usually the same, I've never had a problem, so I'd save a few bucks and go no name)

You CAN NOT mix types

I think you can mix speeds, but your memory will only be as fast as the slowest chip, so if you have ddr 2100, don't buy 2700, it won't help

If you have 3 slots, then YES, you CAN add more memory, I tend to put the largest chip first, but it shouldn't matter really

For the HD, how many IDE devices do you have? (cd/dvd drives or hard drives) you can have a max of four including the new drive

What OS do you have? 98 has a limit to how big a drive can be, I think that might be over it...not sure

[nasrules]

Originally posted by phalkon30
I think you can mix speeds, but your memory will only be as fast as the slowest chip, so if you have ddr 2100, don't buy 2700, it won't help

If you have 3 slots, then YES, you CAN add more memory, I tend to put the largest chip first, but it shouldn't matter really

For the HD, how many IDE devices do you have? (cd/dvd drives or hard drives) you can have a max of four including the new drive

What OS do you have? 98 has a limit to how big a drive can be, I think that might be over it...not sure

correct phalk. you can mix speeds, but it will only go as fast as the slowest component. same applies to cas latency methinks.

yeh, i tried putting my 256mb before my 128mb when i upgraded, but couldn't get either in, ended up putting the 128 first after hours of battling with the modules.............fucking scabby dell mobo's...............

isn't 98 ok with sizes? or maybe it's just 2000 and xp. 95 for sure can't, but shouldn't 98 be alright with fat32?

[cpugeniusmv]

Originally posted by nasrules
correct phalk. you can mix speeds, but it will only go as fast as the slowest component. same applies to cas latency methinks.

yeh, i tried putting my 256mb before my 128mb when i upgraded, but couldn't get either in, ended up putting the 128 first after hours of battling with the modules.............fucking scabby dell mobo's...............

isn't 98 ok with sizes? or maybe it's just 2000 and xp. 95 for sure can't, but shouldn't 98 be alright with fat32?

it's not 98 that has a problem with disk sizes, but fat32...i think you can have up to 100something GB that it will recognize...ntfs, however, recognizes substantially more.

[nasrules]

Originally posted by cpugeniusmv
it's not 98 that has a problem with disk sizes, but fat32...i think you can have up to 100something GB that it will recognize...ntfs, however, recognizes substantially more.

damn!!! owell, i'm only getting a 60 (to add to my pathetic 20)

[phalkon30]

137gig max for fat32 and 98 http://www.md4pc.com/questions/58.htm

[Krell]

So far so good everyone.

el_omega

This is a classic example of how merely posting your Adia32 report results here saves on SO much question and speculation.

These guys are asking the correct questions, which are still unanswered.

You have the ability to use 4 IDE devices, whether they are hard drives, or CD Rom drives. Insode your computer, there are two cables, and each cable must have 2 connectors.

Next, will your power supply, drive your system with an additional hard drive? What is your PSU rated at? 300watt? 400watt?

----------------------------------------------

Memory

You can def mix memory fro two manufacturers, and ther are times whe you do, that you are actually using the SAME, you just dont know it, because they also sell to each other.

SO you may buy Kingston, only to find out it was made by Samsung. When you buy memory, the SPECS are what counts. If the timing is different, then you may have serious problems or lags, illegal operations, page fault error, etc.

Again, use Aida32 to see what those spec are. As vipp and I point out, memory is very cheap, and it is better to buy 2 matching pieces together, than to guess at it.

-----------------------------------------------

O/S

As phalkon pointed out, W98 is limited in the volume that it can see and access. If you buy a 120Gb hard drive, you will use W2000 or XP from now on, not W98.


------------------------------------------------

You have a good mother board. With the addition of that drive, buy a new set of IDE cables. Their cheap. UDMA/Ultra ATA-66/100 are stiff, and have 80 wires and 40 pins, The blue end connects to your controller, the black end attaches to your master and/or single drive, and the gray connects to a second slave drive.


Last, in over view, think:

Add new hard drive, format, set drive letter.

Move contents of 40Gb drive to the new drive, organize
(this will defrag in the move too)

Repartition the 40 Gb drive, set the C: drive to maybe 10 Gb, use the rest as a seperate drive letter(s).

This give you roughly 150 Gb of storage, and is easy to reinstall - format - etc in the future. You may also want to consider partitioning the 120Gb drive, just to be easier to manage, defrag etc.

Example
C: = 10
D: = 30
E: = 40
F: = 40
G: = 40
H:= 40
I: = CD
J:= DvD

[el_omega]

I am so sorry guys for not answering but I forgot to mention I went to help my parents move out so I have been busy and could not get the chance to view this post.
Krell, Phalkon, cpugeniusmv, nasrules, g-smooth2k and everybody else, I am thankful for all your support and help given.

Now getting to the point:

I use Windows Xp Professional
Yes, my pc is custom made.
My pc has pentium 4 1614mhz
I only have one drive which is my TDK CD RW

Krell, sorry my not understanding but what is it when you say:

Next, will your power supply, drive your system with an additional hard drive? What is your PSU rated at? 300watt? 400watt?

How would I transfer everything I have on my 40gb to my new one?
Do I have to get a special software to do this?
And if I do this would it also move my OS to the new drive.

By the way I do have the UDMA/Ultra ATA-66/100 cables.

Ok , hope I have answered some questions.

[Krell]

Very very good

Open your case and look at the power supply. It will have a model number etc, and should state tha it is rated for P4 use etc, and some wattage, like 450 Watts.

So . . you will have 2 hard drives, and one CD rom drive, which Im sure your power supply can handle anyways.


You will not move your O/S to the new drive. You will move all your additional files to the new drive, like My Downloads, Shared Stuff, Pron, and Mp3s.

You will also back up your stuff like your P2P app settings, and use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to export your settings for your desktop etc.

Buy the new drive, install the new drive, and then, in XP, partition and format the new drive, easy peezy.

Once all your important stuff is "drug over" to the new drive letters, then you can repartition the 40 Gb drive, and do a clean install.

There are other ways, such as Partition magic, and if it were to get all goofed up, you could still just do a clean installation.

[The Hunter]

The usage of Adia32 should also be added to any help thread, involving upgrades, just a thought.

[el_omega]

One friend is telling me to just add the 120gb as slave.
Then I would use my small drive for booting purposes and use the bigger one to just add files to it.

Another guy is telling me to go RAID, I know you have heard of this Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, this just sounds too complicated for me, so I am not giving this a chance, maybe.

[Krell]

Dont go RAID, besides you need two IDENTICLE drives, so dont listen to friends.

Yes the new drive will be the Slave, thats a given.

[el_omega]

Krell, thanks so much once again for your way of explaining this in a way a child can understand.

I will open my case tomorrow and tell you the watts thing, I think it can handle what you just said.

So I would be having two h/d plus the cdrom.

And my O/S would be running from my master h/d which would be the 40gb one and then all my files like my music, my downloads, my etc etc will go to the new 120gb h/d which I will partition into different spaces for whatever suites my taste.

Right?

Well, let me go surf the net for some good prices and see what I can get for hard drives and memory.

Later.

[Krell]

http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductList.jsp?ThirdCategoryCode=011003]


Change the view to 50 records per page.


http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/howto/story/0,24330,3322450,00.html


http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-1016-8-20546313-1.html

http://bratlady.com/pcstuff/adddrive.shtml

http://support.gateway.com/support/manlib/cmponts/harddriv/8508673/08673c04.htm

[phalkon30]

Originally posted by el_omega
So I would be having two h/d plus the cdrom.

And my O/S would be running from my master h/d which would be the 40gb one and then all my files like my music, my downloads, my etc etc will go to the new 120gb h/d which I will partition into different spaces for whatever suites my taste.

Right?
Yep, I'm doing something similar within a week or two, only with smaller drives

www.pricewatch.com and www.newegg.com are good places to look, I trust newegg

[el_omega]

Thanks for the links I was watching Pricewatch.com

I found one good memory card:

512MB PC2100 ECC Registered Double Row DDR SDRAM Kingston (KVR266X72RC25/512D)

I think this would just go fine with the one i have:

Micron Tech. (256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM)

Am I right?

[cpugeniusmv]

Originally posted by el_omega
Thanks for the links I was watching Pricewatch.com

I found one good memory card:

512MB PC2100 ECC Registered Double Row DDR SDRAM Kingston (KVR266X72RC25/512D)

I think this would just go fine with the one i have:

Micron Tech. (256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM)

Am I right?
yep

[Krell]

DONT mix ECC and NON ECC memory together


Never buy the lowest prices on Pricewatch.

[el_omega]

DONT mix ECC and NON ECC memory together

Ok, so I would find one with no ECC.

[el_omega]

This I got from googlegear.com

Western Digital Caviar WD1200JB (WD1200BB Special Edition) 120GB EIDE ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffe
$130.00 though I saw one in Best Buy this morning for $170.00 with $60.00 mail in rebate.

[Krell]

Use Aida32 to be sure

remember, research everything

[el_omega]

And for memory I found this from same site:

Kingston 512MB DDR266 PC2100 CL2.5 Memory Retail

[el_omega]

Gee, Krell those sites are pretty useful. man I do have some reading to do. Let me print this files and then I will go on with my results.

Ok, this is all for tonight, very much thanks to all member of Zeropaid that contributed to this issue.

Good nite.

[phalkon30]

That hard drive is the "splooge daddy mc paddy" as my friend would say, its basicly the shit

[cpugeniusmv]

Originally posted by el_omega
This I got from googlegear.com

Western Digital Caviar WD1200JB (WD1200BB Special Edition) 120GB EIDE ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffe
$130.00 though I saw one in Best Buy this morning for $170.00 with $60.00 mail in rebate.

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees...

i love those drives...i've got the 80 gig

[el_omega]

Hey there guys, I think I got this right, so I am headed for some shopping.

Definitely, I am getting that h/d mentioned before, I am still a little confused with the memory thing, maybe I will just take the one I have and go to a store like Best Buy and ask them for a 512mb on the same specs.

With the installation issue, I have had more than enought with so much info around.
Thanks for such nice links for adding a second drive, eventhough I am not sure why I would need to partition my h/d's

What are the benefits on partitioning, if everything I would d/l or save would be on the same h/d?

Well, once I do the installation process ( this weekend ), I will see if I did it right.

Thanks Zeropaid.

:fire :fire :fire

[Krell]

Noooooooooooooooooooo

For the love of god man . . . . . dont ask a freakin sales person what you need!

You know what you need, Aida32 tells you what you need, you dont have a problem yet, dont build one in with a trip to best buys.

Consult your MB manual, usa Aida32, just get the same, if you are still on doubt, ask me.

[cpugeniusmv]

I've been working on an upgrade guide....here's the memory part of it...maybe it will help:

Memory
Memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory) can really speed up your computer. It is used for storing the things you are currently working on. So if you run a lot of programs at the same time, you may benefit greatly from a memory upgrade.

Purchase Memory: It is important that you get the same "kind" of memory, otherwise your computer will not work. For instance, if you currently have SDRAM, you need SDRAM. If you have DDR, then you need DDR. Getting the same speed isn't really that important, however if you get faster memory than you already have then it will only run at the speed of the slowest module. Another factor is how much more memory you want to buy. My opinion on this: the more, the better. When you run out of physical memory, it starts using the hard drive for memory and that is VERY slow. Also, make sure that the amount of memory you get is supported by your motherboard AND your operating system. Consult appropriate websites/manuals for this information.

Now, you're probably thinking, "Okay, yeah...how do I find all this stuff out?" Well, here you go: Aida32 (http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php). This utility will tell you everything you need to know about your computer...and then some more! In Aida32, notice the tree on the left...Click on the plus sign next to "Computer," and select "DMI." In the top frame on the left, click on the plus sign next to "Memory Modules". Select each of the items (which represent the slots for memory) under that individually and notice what it says next to "Installed Size." If there is a number there, then you have a stick of memory installed in that slot. If it says "Not Installed" then you can install memory in that slot.

Next, go to the left frame again, and expand the "Motherboard" item. Select the "SPD" item. Now, in the right frame, look for two values labeled "Memory Type" and "Memory Speed." That is what you need to know in order to buy another stick of memory. For example: If Memory Type is "DDR SDRAM" and Memory Speed is "PC2700" then you need a stick of however many MBytes of PC2700 DDR SDRAM.

Install Memory: After you have purchased your memory, it's now time to install it. Open up your case, and look for where the memory is installed, the slots are usually long, thin, and have little clips on either side. Once you have located an empty slot next to the slot already taken by your current memory, open the clips, and look for the 'slits' in the new stick of memory. Align those with the 'keyed' slot. Once they are aligned, apply gentle pressure until the stick is inserted into the slot, and both clips have shut.

Congratulations, the hard part is over. Now, power on your system. If it boots, GOOD! That means you haven't messed anything up! Boot into windows, and open the System Control Panel to make sure that it is showing the correct amount of memory. If it didn't boot, try switching the memory slots. If you're still having problems, consult a computer-savvy friend.

[g-smooth2k]

Originally posted by el_omega
This I got from googlegear.com

Western Digital Caviar WD1200JB (WD1200BB Special Edition) 120GB EIDE ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffe
$130.00 though I saw one in Best Buy this morning for $170.00 with $60.00 mail in rebate.

you can get the Western Digital Special Edition 120GB 8MB cache for $179.99. And after the $10 & $50 Mail-in Rebate it will be about $119.99 at Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11161878&m=488&cat=511&scat=512

or you can get a Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 8MB cache for $109.99. And after the $10 & $30 Mail-in Rebate it will be about $69.99 at Circuit City
http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1109890525.1051571684@ @@@&BV_EngineID=cceiadciehhmjhjcfngcfkmdffhdffh.0&catoid=-10263&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_11&oid=56383

Savings.
Best Buy $1.000 -> $1.00/GB
Circuit City $0.875 -> $0.88/GB

Try Do a little Math????

j/k :fire

[el_omega]

Hello there, just came from Best Buy and guess what:

For my luck they did not carry the h/d anymore, they have to re-order and about the memory I did not buy it because of the price $160.00 for 512mb ddr 333mhz.

MY memory specs are these:

Memory Module Properties
Module Name Micron Tech.
Module Size 256 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Normal (15.625 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5 (7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0 (10.0 ns @ 100 MHz)

Memory Module Features
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer
Company Name Micron Technology, Inc.
Product Information /http://www.micron.com/products/category.jsp?path=/DRAM

Hope to hear more from you.

[cpugeniusmv]

you need a stick of

(number) MB PC2100 DDR

[g-smooth2k]

And For memory

you can buy direct from Crucial and Mushkin at their online store

Check out Crucial, Mushkin, Corsair

Crucial
1-800-336-8896 (US & Canada only)
1-208-363-5790
Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm (Mountain Time)
Saturday: 10am-2pm (Mountain Time)
http://www.crucial.com

Mushkin
1-800-569-1868
1-303-534-5306
http://www.mushkin.com

http://www.corsairmicro.com

I like Crucial and Centon
Centon is sold at Circuit City
Centon
http://www.centon.com

[el_omega]

cpugeniusmv, thanks very much for that explanation.

And yes I use Aida32, nice little free utility.

According to the specs I had posted for my memory, if I understand right it is a DDR SDRAM, but I cannot find another type that says that, the closest I have found says DDR RAM and I think it is not a match for mine.

Well, Let me keep looking and see what I get, BTW I just ordered online my h/d from WD.

[el_omega]

I just came back from visiting crucial and this site rocks. It guides you thru completely. Asked me my motherboard type and boom it gave some modules that go with my motherboard type.

I found one for 512mb ram on this site with this specs:

DDR PC2100 • CL=2.5 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 7.5ns • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64_

Maybe this is one I need.

THIS IS WHAT MY MOTHERBOARD CAN HANDLE:

This motherboard supports a maximum of 3GB of memory when using PC2100 or slower memory. When using PC2700 or faster the motherboard only supports two modules at that speed for a maximum of 2GB. If 3 PC2700 parts are installed, they operate at 266 MHz.

[g-smooth2k]

Oh I forgot that CompUSA
has a Western Digital Special Edition 160Gb 7200RPM 8MB cache for $249.99.

Current Rebate:
Valid From: 4/27/03
Valid To: 5/3/03
Rebate Details:
Regular Retail Price: $249.99
-$20.00 Instant Saving

You Pay: $229.99 Price after instant rebates, if any
-$100.00 Mfr. Mail-in Rebate

CompUSA Price: $129.99 Price after instant & mail-in rebates

0.8125 -> $0.81/GB

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=298017&pfp=BROWSE

Hope this helps a little!

[el_omega]

g-smooth2k, thanks very much for taking up your time to help me find stuff.

I had already ordered from google gear that caviar h/d from WD 120 gb for $130.00.

Thanks anyways,

[phalkon30]

Office max has a 120gig western digital (normal 2meg cache) for $69.99 after rebates, over 90 bucks saved...

[el_omega]

I've come so far with these options for my memory:

Kingston 512MB DDR266 PC2100 CL2 Memory Retail

This is a 64M x 64-bit (512MB), CAS Latency 2 (CL2) SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) DDR266 memory module. The components on this module include sixteen 32M x 8-bit (8M x 8-bit x 4 Bank / 133MHz, 7.5ns, CL2 components) DDR SDRAM in TSOP packages. This 184-pin DIMM uses gold contact fingers and requires +2.5V.

$63.00



Crucial DDR PC2100 • CL=2.5 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 7.5ns • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64_

Module Size: 512MB
Package: 184-pin DIMM
Feature: DDR PC2100
Configuration: 64Meg x 64
DIMM Type: Unbuffered
Error Checking: Non-parity
Speed: 7.5ns
Voltage: 2.5V
SDRAM Timings:CL=2.5

$71.99


And last

Crucial Technology CT6464Z265 512MB DDR266 PC2100 Memory

OEM
Module Size: 512MB
Feature: DDR PC2100
Configuration: 64Meg x 64
DIMM Type:
Error Checking: Non-parity
Speed: 7.5ns
Voltage: 2.5V
SDRAM Timings:CL=2.5

$61.00

I think I am on the right path, which one would you guys suggest?

[cpugeniusmv]

go with the cheapest one out of those, they all would work.

[Krell]

Crucial Technology CT6464Z265 512MB DDR266 PC2100 Memory

OEM
Module Size: 512MB
Feature: DDR PC2100
Configuration: 64Meg x 64
DIMM Type:
Error Checking: Non-parity
Speed: 7.5ns
Voltage: 2.5V
SDRAM Timings:CL=2.5

$61.00


However . . . . its NOT the price . . its WHO you buy it from. When the memory gets F*** you cant deal with Crucial, (unless you bought it from them) you must deal with whom you purchased it from. As I already stated, do NOT buy the lowest price on Google. You guys have not been to these places in person, I have, they barely exist.

Stick with Googlegear or another very reputable source.

[g-smooth2k]

Buy from Crucial at

http://www.crucial.com

good service & support

I bought from them directly and I had no problems

[Karizmatik]

Originally posted by el_omega
did not know that, but thanks for sharing that.

Could I just take the one I have and replace it with just one of 512mb?

If so, maybe I would do this because it seems hard for me to find another 256 from same manufacturer.

Yeh, I got a 256mb stick of Kingston DDR 2100 & a 256mb stick of Geil 2700 & have had no problems except that tha 2700 will never run faster than tha 2100.

[el_omega]

However . . . . its NOT the price . . its WHO you buy it from. When the memory gets F*** you cant deal with Crucial, (unless you bought it from them) you must deal with whom you purchased it from. As I already stated, do NOT buy the lowest price on Google. You guys have not been to these places in person, I have, they barely exist. Stick with Googlegear or another very reputable source.

Yes, Krell this one I get it from Googlegear so I guess it is a go.
BTW, this same one was at crucial site for $71.99.

So I guess this is the one I am to order.

Bye.

[el_omega]

Would I still need an additional fan?

That just came up to mind being that I will be running two hard drives totaling 160gb, does not this need additional cooling?

The one I currently have came with the ASUS m/b and not sure if I have to add another one.

[The Hunter]

You more than likely do not need a additional fan, as the Intel chips do not run as hot as Amds, but if it is within your budget, more cooling is never a bad thing. Also, if you install the second drive in a removeable bay, most that I have seen come with a fan built in.

[Sandcrab]

Instead of IDE, I suggest installing a USB 2.0 PCI Card to the computer (around $20) , then putting the HD in a portable USB 2.0 Case (available from Newegg.com for around $40 , among other places). You can keep adding HDs to your heart's content, up to 127 (and you don't have to fiddle with BIOS, IRQ's, etc.) I currently have 8 (6 120GB and 2 80GB - mix of Maxtor and WD) hooked up to my home computer (running XP Pro as OS) and have had absolutely no problems to date.

[Sandcrab]

Just saw the stuff on cooling - another advantage to the USB 2.0 is that it has its own cooling fan and power supply is external, so it adds no heat to the computer nor does it pull of the computer power supply.

[el_omega]

Sandcrab, thanks for the input.

I have already ordered from googlegear my memory and h/d, they might arrive two days from now, Thursday.

If I am desperate I will install them by Friday if not will do it on Saturday.

The Hunter, thanks also for info on my fan question, I don't think it would be necessary.

See you all and thanks very much.

[phalkon30]

About the hd cooling, TechTV did a rewiew of a HD cooler, it was effectively a $20 noise maker

[el_omega]

Ok, I am back and have had not success on installing my second drive.

I did the following:

Kept my original drive as master, I connected the end part of my cable to it.
Then the second drive (120gb), I connected the middle part of my cable to it. Slave drive.

I started up my pc, and went to my computer and guess what it only shows my master drive 40gb one.

I also checked in Device Manager and there are on my IDE/ATA ATAPI controllers three parts:

Primary IDE CHANNEL
Secondary IDE CHANNEL
SIS PCI IDE controller

My device manager says all these drives are working correctly.

I am not sure if I have to change these properties on each one of them, I remembered that when I was tweaking my XP I changed some settings here which were:

Primary IDE channel properties:

Transfer mode: DMA if available
Current transfer mode: Ultra DMA Mode 5

Device1
Device type: None
Transfer mode: DMA if available
Current transfer mode: not applicable

Secondary IDE channel properties:

Transfer mode: DMA if available
Current transfer mode: Ultra DMA mode 2

Device1
Device type: none
Transfer mode: DMA if available
Current transfer mode: not applicable.



Should I set these to auto detection?

Or maybe these don't have nothing to do with my computer not recognizing the new drive.

What am I doing wrong?


BTW, memory is installed and working without any complication.

[notbob]

Originally posted by phalkon30
137gig max for fat32 and 98 http://www.md4pc.com/questions/58.htm

wrong

what that site is talking about is BIOS limits--win 98(fat 32) can support up to 4TB(!) of hdd

i have a fat32 152GB hdd

individual files, however can't be bigger than 1.2GB in FAT32, that limit doesn't exist in NTFS

[el_omega]

Ok, I have been doing some reading and I think I have to go to BIOS and do some modifications, won't do it until i hear for some suggestions.

[notbob]

the fix for BIOS is easy--

a)check board manufacturer to find maximum supported drive size, and BIOS upgrades

b)if upgrade is available (and necessary) you can do it with a download from the manufacturer (if flashing BIOS, BACKUP YOUR OLD BIOS TO A FLOPPY!!!!!)

c)if you don't feel comfortable messing with the BIOS (smart choice), get an ATA card ( i got one for my crappy old 66mhz system, a Promise TX2 Ultra 100, which and has a 153GB hdd attatched)
i paid around 30 bucks for it

[gorphon]

I did the following: Kept my original drive as master, I connected the end part of my cable to it.
Then the second drive (120gb), I connected the middle part of my cable to it. Slave drive.

I started up my pc, and went to my computer and guess what it only shows my master drive 40gb one.

I also checked in Device Manager and there are on

you did remember to plug the drive into the power supply didnt you? I only ask because I noticed you overlooked mentioning it here.

and if you forgot to do that, its not hard. you need to find a spare 4 space power connector coming off your psu and plug it into the back of the hard drive. there will be four prongs there where it fits, either to the right or the left of where you plugged the ide cable in.

[el_omega]

Yes, gorphon

I did plug it in. Both my drivers have electricity supply.

I just changed the jumper setting to cable select on both drivers, but still the same I only show my master drive.

Any suggestions?

Do I have to go to BIOS?

[el_omega]

Well, I went to Device Manager again and change the properties on both my Primary IDE and Secondary IDE to auto detect option.

It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now Aida32 shows this:
WDC WD1200JB-75CRA0
WDC WD400BB-00CAA1
TDK CDRW401240X
Primary IDE Channel
Secondary IDE Channel
SiS PCI IDE Controller


which is good I think all I have to do now is partition and format, right?

Although when I check my computer I don't see installed drive, I only see the master drive.

Gotta say that I also have selected cable select on both my drivers, should I now go and change them to master and slave?

[notbob]

is the new drive formatted?

[cpugeniusmv]

Originally posted by el_omega
which is good I think all I have to do now is partition and format, right?

Although when I check my computer I don't see installed drive, I only see the master drive.

Gotta say that I also have selected cable select on both my drivers, should I now go and change them to master and slave?
yes

you will see it after you partition and format

couldn't hurt, but if it ain't broke...don't fix it.

[el_omega]

I am using Partition Magic. I don't know if the steps I have followed are in the right order.

After my pc recognized my new drive. I opened up Partiton Magic and started to partition my new drive into this:

E: 60
F: 40
G: 20

Now, I am headed for formatting all of them.

See, I did not know to either format or partiion first?

[cpugeniusmv]

Originally posted by el_omega
I am using Partition Magic. I don't know if the steps I have followed are in the right order.

After my pc recognized my new drive. I opened up Partiton Magic and started to partition my new drive into this:

E: 60
F: 40
G: 20

Now, I am headed for formatting all of them.

See, I did not know to either format or partiion first?

partition magic will partition and format, just right click on the partition in partition magic, and select format...then select the file system, and you'll be good to go.

but yes, partitioning comes first, then formatting.

[el_omega]

cpugeniusmv,

Question?

When I opened up P/M it is showing my second drive as this:

Unallocated 7.8 None Primary
Extended 114,431.7 None Primary
Unallocated 114,431.7 None Logical



What should I use for partitioning?

[el_omega]

Ok, I am done partitioning and formatting, yes Partition Magic did it all for me, no sweat!

I am in the process of transfering files to the drives I had partitioned.

Wondering, if I could kind of transfer my program files to another drive, I think you can not cut/copy software, right?

Well, I will update later with more info.

[cpugeniusmv]

i beleive you can change the location of program files to the new drive in TweakUI, and just copy the files to the new directory. I've never done that before, but it should work.

[el_omega]

I guess I will have to uninstall all of my programs and then reinstalling them to the desired drive.

I will just leave my master drive with all microsoft related programs.

[el_omega]

Oh, well I have been thru trial and error.

This is good because I learn on the process.

I had to uninstall most of my programs from C drive.

Then I used jv16powertools and RegCleaner to get rid of all unvalid registries left from programs I got rid of.

Then I re-installed my applications on a different drive.

When I transfered my music folder to a different drive, I am noticing that some files are not playing right, don't know if this is because of codecs problems or maybe they got altered when moving them from one to another drive.

I think I did it right overall.

[rainbowdemon]

I have a Dell Dimension 4300S. This came with a 20 gig hard drive. That was enough until I dicovered filesharing! All I did at that point was buy a 40 gig Maxtor external hd. Just plug it into a usb and go. It was that simple!! This comp has 256MB SDRAM@133 Mhz, which seems to be enough.