galvin@yale.UUCP (Peter Galvin) (11/02/87)
Hello, I have a PC clone (a Columbia, actually) which has a hard disk which is on its last legs. I'm probably going to be buying a 80286 ot 386 based system soon, though, so I'd prefer to get a fast hard disk now, and then transfer it to the faster system when I buy it. So, the question is, can I buy an AT hard disk and use it in my clone? If so, I assume that I'd need to buy a new controller too, yes? Thanks for any info. --Peter
burton@parcvax.Xerox.COM (Philip M. Burton) (11/08/87)
> >So, the question is, can I buy an AT hard disk and use it in my clone? >If so, I assume that I'd need to buy a new controller too, yes? > Both XT and AT controllers use the ST506 phyiscal interface, with the same cabling,power connectors, etc. In general, "AT" drives give better performance than "XT" drives because of better access times. (However, some unscrupulous dealers put XT-type drives in low-cost AT clones, and the customer doesn't get the full performance benefit of an AT.) Since AT-class drives are generally 20 MB and up, you'll probably need a new controller. Check the with the controller manufacturer for compatibility wity your Columbia. You may find that a hardcard is more compatible, even if more expensive. -- Philip Burton burton.osbunorth@parcvax.COM Xerox Corp. .... !hplabs!parcvax!burton 408 737 4635 ... the usual disclaimers apply ...
justin@inmet.UUCP (11/11/87)
/* Written 2:35 pm Nov 2, 1987 by galvin@yale.UUCP in inmet:comp.sys.ibm.pc */ /* ---------- "At hard disks on PC" ---------- */ Hello, I have a PC clone (a Columbia, actually) which has a hard disk which is on its last legs. I'm probably going to be buying a 80286 ot 386 based system soon, though, so I'd prefer to get a fast hard disk now, and then transfer it to the faster system when I buy it. So, the question is, can I buy an AT hard disk and use it in my clone? If so, I assume that I'd need to buy a new controller too, yes? Thanks for any info. --Peter /* End of text from inmet:comp.sys.ibm.pc */ While we're on the subject -- I also have a Columbia MPC whose hard disk is dying. When I got my current disk, I was given a lot of hassle about getting one that was compatible with the Columbia, but I increasingly suspect that this was simply the incompetence of my dealer. The question is: can I use an off-the-shelf PC hard disk in my Columbia? I'm very interested in getting a Gold Card, or the new Kodak mega-floppy, but I don't want to get something and then discover that it doesn't work in my machine. Thanx, Justin du Coeur