hot swap drives

erik · Posted 27 Sep 2005 1:39 pm

My computer's hard drive has always resided in a carriage that locks in and can be removed. I have removed it a few times but never while the computer was on. I plan to buy a second drive. I'm thinking the same configuration would be good so I can switch them when necessary. Sound logical?

Do I need to know anything when purchasing a new drive? Is there a compatibility issue with respect to my particular mother board or processor? Can I install a 7,200 drive even if my current may be slower? I actually can't tell the speed. It is not labeled on the drive. I have a Maxtor 10g right now.

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-johnson

Dickie Whitley · Posted 27 Sep 2005 3:00 pm

Walter Stettner · From: Vienna, Austria

Have you ever thought about getting an external harddrive? I am already using two 160 GB extra harddrives, just plugged into the USB slot (it is a fast USB 2.0 slot).

I use Windows XP, the new harddrivs you don't even have to install or configure, just plug them in and use them. I can only recommend them , for working, storing and as back-up.

One more advantage: If I am visiting somebody else (with a PC), I just bring the harddrive instead of my laptop or lots of CDs.

The price for the 160 GB drive was about $120.

Kind Regards, Walter

www.lloydgreentribute.com
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

If you are using one of them hard disk cartridges that let you yank the drive from the tower, make sure that it has a fan to cool the 7200 RPM drives, they run a little warm. I'm not sure if the they've made cartrige units for the ultra IDE drives, these disks take 80 conductor ribbon cable. I don't know if the short length of 40 conductors between the cartrige case and the disk interferes with the ultra IDE performance specs.
Some of the disk carriers have a metal subplate, have a teeny fan on board, and do better heat conduction. The older cartridges are only plastic and not as well suited for the newer higher speed drives that run warm. Check out cyberguys.com for their latest offerings in cartridge systems.

[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 29 September 2005 at 11:27 PM.]

erik · Posted 30 Sep 2005 3:40 pm

Great information, Ray. Yes, I have the old plastic caddy. Maybe I should stick with a slower drive.

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-johnson

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