Basic hard drive cable question.

Darando

Ok, first off sory if it seems a really basic question. Not really a computer buff.

Am installing a new hard drive into an old dell computer (via website guides!)
Problem is the IDE cable that links the current HD to the motherboard fits just about. The second connection (in the middle of the cable) on the cable wont reach the new HD.

Can you get extension cables? or extra long new cable and if so is there a differnece in cables? Old HD is IDE ATA33!!!!

Ruu_Old

You should be able to get an extra long cable at ATA 33, yes. Are you sure its not caught up with something else, normally some cables are fairly tight but still manage to go to the motherboard.

irlrobins

Should be able to get a longer cable. IDE cables consist of either 40 individual wires or 80 individual wires. Ultra ATA/66 or later devices need the 80 wire cables to operate efficiently.

Darando

irlrobins wrote:

Ultra ATA/66 or later devices need the 80 wire cables to operate efficiently.

Am I in trouble ?? I am after buying a IDE ATA/133 80gig HD. As I said the current original setup is a massive 6.4gig IDE ATA/33 !!! I was told that I could use a ATA/133 but it will not run to max performance because motherboard is limited, so is it the same for a new cable.

I know a 40 pin has the same connections as 80 pin but will 80 pin work with an old drive/motherboard?

thats the last thicko question I hope!!!!

Ruu - its an old Dell system P3 - layout inside is all over the place!!! I have tried but it wont reach!

irlrobins

Yea the 133 will work only as fast as the motherboard will allow. So that is not a prob. I'm not 100% sure that a 80pin cable will work with a 40pin motherboard. I have a feeling it will but I don't want to say for def and cause u all sorts of trouble. Someone else will prob know for certain.

Ruu_Old

Any mobo that can handle at Pentium III should be able to support ATA 133. If you can post the model/number of your Dell might be able to give you a definite answer. Dells (older ones anyway) are a mess when it comes to giving extra room inside alright.

Darando

Dell Dimension XPS- T450 (R5ZJN) - think the board is SE440BX - found that it only supports maximum of ATA/33. Not to worry.

old but works perfect except limited hard drive!

Proabaly just get a long IDE cable and see what happens!!!!

Sir Random

If you live near Bray, I can give you a new lead. I have loads of them (brand new) leftover from upgrades.

Darando

Sir Random wrote:

If you live near Bray, I can give you a new lead. I have loads of them (brand new) leftover from upgrades.

Thanks for the offer. I will keep it in mind if I cant get it working from what I have. Cheers.