View Full Version : Query on Purchasing new Internal Hardware
:?: Please could someone help me with a query?
I have quite an old computer which is being used as a second computer and I have all updated downloads etc, except internal hardware. My current C drive is close to overflow!!! I have an external hardware but this unfortunately is not helping as my C drive is still very full. How do I find a compatible internal hardware for my computer.
There are several on the market but I don't want to purchase one that is not suitable for my system. Thanks
Just so you know, the component you're talking about is called a hard drive or hard disk, hardware is a general term encompassing thousands of objects.
Anyway, you said the computer was old, so you'll need a PATA (IDE) hard drive as opposed to one that uses the newer SATA standard.
Also, I'd keep it small as some older BIOSes and operating systems don't support larger disks.
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Hard+Drives/IDE/160GB+Samsung+Spinpoint+IDE+8MB+?productId=24026
Would 160GB fit the bill?
:)
Hosser, Many thanks for your response.
I was looking at these disk drives at approx 400-500MB so I am really thankful for your response in this respect.
Think the computer is approximately 7/8 years old and the initially size of the C drive is 8MB! If I am unable to get anything higher 160 would certainly be a vast improvement and enable us to have two running computers
Good lord! 8MB :O
That's a hell of an old PC you have there! Unless you meant 8GB. But, if you did mean 8MB then it's HIGHLY unlikely you'll be able to attach a 160GB hard drive...
I suspect you mean GB though. If you could just clarify that - check it's 8GB for me, otherwise buying a 160GB disk may be a large mistake.
:)
:oops:
Yes you are right it is 8.57GB.
The PC was purchased in 2000 and had the old Windows ME installed. I have successfully upgraded this to Windows XP but as you can imagine I need more storage and C Drive space hence the immediate need for an internal hardrive!!
Ronnie
Ah I see :)
Well, as long as you have Service Pack 2 for Windows XP installed it should play fine with an 80 or 160GB hard drive like the one I linked you too.
:?:
Do you think that 160GB is going to be the largest size I will be able to get?
Ronnie
I don't know... It depends on the motherboard. If you could find out the name of it we might be able to find out the largest sized disk it will recognise.
:?
I believe the Motherboard to be an IBM model S21M. Hope this means something to you!
Ronnie
Wow now that is old... I think those were used in the old IBM Aptiva and NetVista systems... I wouldn't fancy the chances of it supporting such a \"large\" disk. Back then 8GB was huge.
I really don't know what to suggest. You might consider asking IBM themselves... They may be able to help more, but I expect they'll just throw the old \"Buy a new computer\" at you, which isn't what you want; as you already have a newer system.
:?
Thanks for all your help.
Ronnie
Are you looking to replace the original disk or add another? If \"only\" adding a second drive try the suggested disk IF it doesn't work then you might need to look into getting a controller card.
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Controller+Cards/IDE/+IDE+2+Port+PCI+Controller+Card?productId=20137
I am assuming your pc has pci slots and isn't so old it pre dates even pci connections :shock:
:)
Mac124 - thanks for your response.
I am looking at installing another hard drive into my machine on top of the one that is already installed.
Do you think that 160GB would work in my machine, in light of all the info given above?
There is no probs with also having to purchase the suggested card if this is what is required at the end of the day.
Many thanks
Ronnie
:oops:
Didn't read all your message - mac124!!!
If you mean a place to insert another hard disk inside the machine then yes there is a place to install one.
If this isn't what you mean what is a pci??????
Yes i ment a place (slot) on the motherboard to fit the controller card.
Assumng the controller card fits then yes any size drive should work, i'm 99.9% sure ANY ide drive will work as its the controller card thats driving the harddrive not the motherboard, you could even fit a sata controller card and hard drive if you wanted that way when you upgrade you could plug your shiney new sata drive straight into your new pc's motherboard.
Sata controller card...
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Controller+Cards/SATA/SATA+2-Port+PCI+Controller+Card+?productId=7730
:oops:
You are going to really lose patience with me, I'm afraid. Think I should rate myself as a cabbage brain in respect of Computers, although against my friends I am very knowledgable so don't think I will let them know about this conversation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The slot I was referring to was a slot to install another hard disk inside the computer.
Now the Controller Card - Looking inside the Computer there is a thing/card (sorry, definitely cabbage) with MODEM printed on and lots of numbers, would this be the Controller Card??? If this is the case there are two further slots one either side of this card (although I suspect this is the hard drive C?) . The only other similar items attached to the Motherboard are 3 x memory cards.
On viewing my Computer information it shows HARDWARE: Video Card, Network Card, Sound Card and a USB Controller all with Supported Status and no update required.
Ronnie
:oops:
YES there are 3 pci slots in my computer. These are the slots I was trying to explain to you with the one card inserted with MODEM written on it.
Now in cabbage language. I can purchase the new hard disk of any size providing I purchase a SATA one and then go onto purchase a new controller card either for the original IDE if I choose this option or a SATA if I decide to purchase a SATA hard disk??
LOL no worries mate, everyone has to learn from scratch at some point, we are just a little further along than yourself and you are further along than your mates.
Ok so you can phsically screw the hdd (hard disk drive) into the pc and from having a quick search on google it would appear your mobo (motherboard) does indeed have 3 pci slots so either of those controller cards should phsically fit into the mobo. The card you have fitted, the modem is fitted into 1 pci slot and this modem is what connects to the phone line to enable you to connect to the internet, via dialup, it could be a cable (ntl / virgin) or broadband modem. Quick question, do you have a cable running from it to your phone line?
[quote:7e0a211536=\"ronnie\"]:oops:
Now in cabbage language. I can purchase the new hard disk of any size providing I purchase a SATA one and then go onto purchase a new controller card either for the original IDE if I choose this option or a SATA if I decide to purchase a SATA hard disk??[/quote:7e0a211536]
Whichever way you go I would leave the original hdd plugged in the mobo it will make life easier and there is no real need to change it anyway.
Regarding the new hdd yes you can go ahead and buy a drive of any size either a sata or ide and buy the matching controller card and just plug the new drive into the controller card.
I would suggest a sata drive for reasons i gave earlier ie it will plug directly into a new mobo should you upgrade in the future.
:wink:
This query I can help you with!!!
I have a Broadband connection and the host computer is connected to the Hub via ethernet and this computer is connected to the Hub via USB and the Hub itself is connected to the phone line.
So I can now purchase my disk drive of any capacity in either IDE or SATA but must also purchase a Controller Card in either the IDE or SATA depending on which I choose for the hard disk????
:lol:
Thanks so much for your assistance.
I am now off credit card in hand and hopefully in a few days should have it all sorted
Ronnie
[quote:8b3dac33f2=\"ronnie\"]:wink:
This query I can help you with!!!
I have a Broadband connection and the host computer is connected to the Hub via ethernet and this computer is connected to the Hub via USB and the Hub itself is connected to the phone line.
So I can now purchase my disk drive of any capacity in either IDE or SATA but must also purchase a Controller Card in either the IDE or SATA depending on which I choose for the hard disk????[/quote:8b3dac33f2]
Sounds like your not actually using the modem then, though unless you need the space i would leave it there.
Yup go ahead and buy a nice fat hdd and matching controller card.
Let us know how it goes 8)
:?
Sorry me again
The only card being sold by aria is there own would I be able to use this with either the IBM-Hitachi 7K160 160GB or the Samsung Spinpoint P120 SP2504C 250GB??? Or would I need to shop elsewhere to get a matching controller card for the HDD I purchase??
Do you work for Aria??? Just curiosity because you really have been most helpful
Ronnie
Heh Controller Cards! How could I have forgotten about them?
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Controller+Cards/SATA/SATA+2-Port+PCI+Controller+Card+?productId=7730
This one should be fine, then just buy any SATA disk, I recommend Western Digital's disks - they've always served me well, so here's a 250GB SATA disk for example:
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Hard+Drives/Serial+ATA/250Gb+Western+Digital+Caviar+SATA2+16MB+?productId =27025
And neither of us work for Aria, we just like to help ;P
:P
I have purchased a HDD along with the Card.
I purchased the IBMHitachi 7K160 160GB as the computer is so old I am sure this will suffice, we have only used 9% disk space on our new one which is 108GB
Thanks for all your help
Ronnie
[quote:4a0aa44298=\"Hosser\"]And neither of us work for Aria, we just like to help ;P[/quote:4a0aa44298]
Indeedy 8)
[Removed at the request of the author]
:?
I am back again!!!!
Have received ordered items and unfortunately I am unable to use them as in the Device Manager it is telling me that \"There are no drivers installed for this device\".
I am searching the microsoft webpage for any drivers for this item of Hardware but at the moment am having no luck. I am a bit peeved as I checked on their website before purchasing and this HDD was compatable with Windows XP.
I have uninstalled this item restarted my computer, the Hardware Wizard searched to installed but was not able to do so?
I did have a CD with the HDD but this isn't working, any suggestions for a quick fix????
Ronnie
You need to install the drivers for the Controller Card. I'd be shocked if they didn't provide a driver CD with it... But if they didn't report back here and let us know the make and model of the card so we can help search out a driver for you. :D
:(
The CD is for the controller Card not the HDD.
The details of the Card are: Serial ATA PCI Card CK-00019A
Ronnie
You wouldn't need a driver cd for the hdd so i can only assume the cd might be for the controller card??
Could you link to the card on arias website please?
:?
How do I link to the Controller Card??????????? Have tried to link it but it won't, obviously doing something wrong
#7730 is the product code if this makes it any easier??
Ronnie
What happens if you open Device Manager, right-click the Controller Card (might show up as Unknown Device) click \"Update Driver\" and tell the wizard to search the driver CD for device drivers?
:roll:
On right clicking the Controller Card in Device Manager and then clicking on update driver the Wizard states that it cannot find the software for this device
It searched the CD and found nothing? Now that's weird. Isn't there any kind of setup application on the CD? =/
The only way I was able to open the disk was to run it on my new computer and then copy the files/folders onto my external hard drive. I then plugged the external hard drive into this PC and there is a SETUP.instal on there but when I try to open it, it opens for a split second and then gives me the box \"do you want to open the file or save it\" and that is all I can get
Ronnie
:?
Yes it searched on the CD and installed the software BUT back in Device Manager it still has an exclamation mark by the device in a yellow circle stating that it cannot start the driver. The actual HDD cannot find a device driver so both do not work!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronnie
:(
Dont seem to have heard from either of you, do you have any suggestions on how I can get my Controller Card to work and in turn allow my HDD to work??????? Or anyone else who can assist me out there??????????
Again I do repeat I really do appreciate the help I have had so far
Ronnie
You're in quite a pickle here, Ronnie. I'd suggest unplugging the disk from the controller card and starting the PC. See if the drivers can initialise when the disk is not present. If they do then the disk is your problem.
It's the Controller Card that is the problem not the HDD.
Guess I will have to go and search for another one!
Thanks
Ronnie
Hi ronnie been a tad busy. Sounds like your not having much fun :(
Have you tried installing driver before fitting the card?
Can you browse the cd is there a setup.exe (or any .exe on the cd)
Only thing i can suggest is trying to find drivers for the card on the net and downloading them, is there a manufacturers name on the card anywhere?
Or failing that whats the chances of trying to install it on a friends pc.
What OS are you running, though according to Aris webby it should run under pretty much any OS.
:(
The disk that came with the card won't even run!! I have tried contacting Aria about this issue but to no avail.
I have tried every way I could possibly think to get the card working but nothing at all helps.
My OS is Windows XP
Ronnie
:lol: :oops:
Hi
I have finally sorted the problem!!!!!!
Just to justify myself I do have a virus and also have MS so when carrying a virus it flares up the MS including the cognitive!!!!! thankfully the penny dropped yesterday, although I must say it wasn't until I had sorted it that I realised/remembered that this had to be done for the parts to work.
I may confess to give you a laugh after all your valuable input should you wish to have a good laugh today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronnie (and yes I am female too!!)
Come on tell us what you forgot to do???
Give us a giggle. :D
:oops:
I forgot to go into Disk Management and intialize the new hardware!!!!!!!!!
Ronnie
:oops:
:lol: done that myself once or twice, happens to everyone :wink:
Oh man, easy mistake to make. ;P
:?
Hi, Me again!!!!
I need to purchase a driver bay for the new HDD I purchased (have been unwell for a few days so all PC problems have been on hold) I need one that will fit into a 5.2\" drive for the 3.5 HDD I purchased, is there any specific ones that I need to be looking at apart from Internal SATA drive bay and obviously with just one port, or could I purchase one with two ports in this size bay in case I need to purchase another HDD at a later date?
Now for the bit problem!!! My PC will not turn on at all now. I have checked that all the wires are plugged into the PC etc. but it will just not turn on, any suggestions (apart from give up!!)
Ronnie
It might be your PSU thats the problem or it could be your motherboard. Ask your friend if he would swap PSU with you for a day, you put his PSU in your PC and he puts your PSU in his pc. Now if his PSU works in your PC then you know its your PSU. Now if his PSU doesnt work in your PC but your PSU works in his PC then you know its your motherboard.
So just ask a friend to borrow his PSU and you will soon get your answer :D
Virtually all mobos have a led to signify power, has yours got that light on? Also, a lot of psus have a switch on their back, has yours been knocked off my mistake?
Hi Ronnie what you need is
\"3.5\" to 5.1/4\" drive bay mounting bracket for 3.5\" hard drive\"
Unfortunately i can't link you to it as that would break the forum rules.
As for your other problem does your pc boot up if you remove the new hardware? If not just check all the usual things like unplugging and plugging all the connectors back in, i have had pc's \"die\" on me when fitting new stuff and more often than not its something stupid like a dislodged connection.
:?
Hi,
I think you may have sent me this post in error????
My PC was working fine up until yesterday with the new HDD and then it suddenly gave up the ghost.
Ronnie
[quote:2a3fec12d4=\"ronnie\"]:?
Hi,
I think you may have sent me this post in error????
My PC was working fine up until yesterday with the new HDD and then it suddenly gave up the ghost.
Ronnie[/quote:2a3fec12d4]
Have you tried taking the NEW HDD out and trying?
Ah right sorry i misunderstood, i would still check the internal connections though, will only take a minute or 2. Could be the psu as per previous suggestions but i would be suprised if your new card / hdd have pushed it over the edge.
[Removed at the request of the author]
Hi Mac124,
Thanks for the response, I've been out of action for a few days!!
I have had to remove the HDD and my PC works fine without it now, I have also tried to plug it back in and straight away my computer gives up the ghost, as in no power supply or anything!!!!
:roll:
Hi Ronnie,
If it wont power up with it plugged in then its one of a few things. The psu can't take the extra load as suggested, any chance you could borrow a more powerful psu to try. The hard drive has died and is causing the pc to fail, could prove this by plugging it into anothe pc to see if that fails to boot with it plugged in, if you have a freind who is willing to help. Or it could just be a dodgy cable in which case try a new sata cable if you have one.
:?
It was working fine for a couple of weeks and then it just decided to hit my computer out completely when it was attached???
Ronnie
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