Missouri Computer Guy Forum

[computerguy1]

From the FAQ. Here's some basic hard drive information for the novice user:

Definition:

A hard drive is where stuff(binary data) is stored on your computer. Think of a hard-drive as a super-fast cassette recorder/CD recorder that stores computer files. Stuff(binary data) on a hard-drive can be transformed into sound, data files('yourfile.doc'), or programs('notepad.exe') that your computer can execute. Hard-drives are the primary storage device on your machine. It is where your operating system(such as Windows XP) "lives" as well as all your programs. The computer CPU or BIOS requests programs such as the operating system(OS) to be loaded from the hard drive into RAM(random access memory) whenever necessary. Once in RAM the computer CPU can perform computations, change, and then resave the file or program to the hard drive to be retrieved later as needed.

Types:

1. SCSI(pronouced "skuzzi"). Most modern retail PC's do not use SCSI drives, they are typically used in higher-end workstations and servers. Only mentioned here because you might hear people talking about them. SCSI drives are still fairly expensive compared to their retail level counterpart, the IDE or ATA drive:

2. IDE / ATA Drives. This is what you probably have in your home PC. They come in two types, SATA(Serial ATA) and PATA(Parallel ATA). The two types do not take the same type of plug and are not interchangeable. While some PC's have connectors for both, if you are replacing a faulty drive, you need to know which type you have. SATA is the newer of the two technologies, and also comes in two types, SATA I or and SATA II. SATA I is typically synonomous with 150 Mbps and SATA II is 300 Mbps, although this is not a completely accurate description. SATA II drives tend to be backward compatible with SATA I controllers, although there is no reason to spend extra money if your computer motherboard only supports SATA I.

CDROMS, CDRW, and DVD players are not 'hard drives' but plug into a PATA hard drive controller port and take up one drive space. Most computers have onboard(on the motherboard) controllers have 2 plugs for support of up to 4 PATA IDE devices. Some newer boards that support SATA only have one PATA connector for CD/DVD devices(also called ATAPI devices).

Size:

Right now(10/18/2005), drives are measured in Gigabytes or GB's or "Gigs". A good size drive for most users is around 80-160GB. Why? Most users will rarely use more than 40GB, however, since the price difference between 40gig and 80-160gig hard drive is only a couple of dollars on a 7200rpm drive, might as well get an 80 to 160 size drive. People that are going to play a lot(and I mean a lot) of games might consider a larger drive or stripped RAID array(RAID 5 or RAID 0+1) for speed and more space(if you don't know, hire someone to set it up for you). Those that are going to save a lot of pictures or music should buy as big a drive as you can afford, and consider mirroring(RAID 1) or other strategy to protect the data. 200-250Gb of storage space should keep most non-professional picture/music people out of space trouble for awhile. Remember, most systems allow for another drive to be added later.

Speed:

Modern hard drives actually contain a series of spinning platters. In IDE/PATA hard drives, these platters spin at either 7200 or 10,000 rpm. Most drives spin at 7200, but for about triple the price, you can get a 10,000r.p.m. drive. It's a judgement call as to whether it's worth it or not, but for most people, the 7200r.p.m. drives will be fine. If more speed is needed, a striped RAID array of 2 or three 7200 drives would yield more economical results than a 10,000 rpm drive. For high-end gamers, many prefer a stripped array of 10,000 rpm drives. For mail order drives, A RAID 5 array of WD-Raptor 10,000rpm drives will run about 3x180=$540 big ones. The same array with 7,200rpm drives would be $55x3 =$165. You can see that you really have to want the small performance increase, or have a lot of extra money in order to justify the added expense. For most people a single 7200rpm drive is all they need.

Relibility and Maintenance:

Hard drives can last a long time or not. The one thing to keep in mind is that it's not if, but when it will fail. Some drives last a month(this is typically caused by an irregularity), others will last 5 + years. Two to three years is probably a good average life-span. Regardless, you should always have a backup strategy if you have irreplaceable data. Other than defragmenting, and of course keeping them free of viruses, there is no hard drive maintenance to worry about.

Installation of a new drive:

Can you install a replacement drive or additional drive on your own? Probably. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, physically replacing or adding a drive is not difficult. HOWEVER, reinstallation of an operating system and drivers, changing BIOS settings, and changes to other software settings that may be required can be somewhat taxing on a novice. If you want to try, there are several sites with instructions for replacing a drive, just use your favorite search engine to find one. If all else fails, you can always contact a pro to finish the job for you.

RAID:

Keeping this short and sweet, RAID is a way to "connect" more than one drive together. RAID 1, commonly known as mirroring, is very common. It is either accomplished through a hardware device or can be done through software. It requires two drives, preferrably identical. In the operating system, they appear as just one drive, but all data is saved on both drives, thereby creating a "live" backup to help keep data safe in the event that one drive fails. RAID 0, commonly known as striping, also requires a minimum of 2 disks. In this config, data is written across two drives, one piece of data on one drive, then the other. This doubles the storage space, and essentially doubles write and read speeds, but provides no redundancy. RAID 5 is similar to RAID 0, but involves a third or more disks that acts as a redundant backup. There is some performance loss in this scenario vs. the 2 disk RAID 0. You must have software and/or a drive controller that supports the RAID version you wish to use in order to deploy it. RAID ready hard disk controller cards that plug into PCI expansion slots in your computer are available through retail and online stores.

[olesya]

How to connect IDE Hard Disk to a SATA computer? I have just bought a new computer and wanted to install an old HDD to use as a back up device. However, when i opened up my new computer, i realised that there is no IDE cable or port. I can't find a converter to convert between IDE and SATA. Any suggestions?
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[computerguy1]

Most SATA motherboards also have an IDE controller that will support up to two devices, if yours doesn't-- never fear, you can add on an IDE controller card for just a few dollars as long as you have available PCI slots.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815124022

If you don't have a cable you will need one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812105910

hope that helps. if all else fails contact your local professional.