pwong@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu (Patrick Wong) (09/09/90)
Hi, netters:
A while back quite a few people asked questions on how to install a second
hard disk and controller combo OR how to install a hardcard when there is
already a hard disk. I would like to ask (along the same line) a more
general question:
Which brands of hard disk controllers (e.g. WD controller with super BIOS)
AND hardcards (e.g. PLUS hardcard) can be safely configured as the SECONDARY
controller of a XT class machine ?
To be specific, I have a 80C86 laptop and I am thinking of getting an
expansion chasis (which has 2 full length slots) for it. Now, since the
built-in system ROM is already designated as C: and this primary disk
controller cannot be disabled, I need to find out which brands (including
cheap ones) of hard disk controller and hardcard can be used with my
system without going thru a lot of pain and suffering.
So, please send me e-mail if you have experience in this area (success as
well as horror story). Basically, I would like to know:
-type of controller/hardcard you use (or tried to use) as secondary
-its price and where you ordered from
-any problem, which ones to avoid, etc.
Thanx a bunch !
patrick wong -----------------------------> pwong@theory.tn.cornell.edu
PS. If there is sufficient interest, I'll post a summary !pnl@hpfinote.HP.COM (Peter Lim) (09/17/90)
Well ! I've never played with any hard card at all. But, I believe
they are MFM controller generally, may be RLL ??
In any case, the only controller that I find can co-exist with another
controller is the SCSI controller. This applies to the AT bus or
ISA bus. I don't know whether EISA or MCA can defy this.
As for specifics, I have worked with the following combinations:
DTC-6280 (ESDI) together with ALLWAYS IN-2000 (SCSI).
Perstor (enhanced RLL) togther with ALLWAYS IN-2000 (SCSI).
Adaptec ???? (ESDI) togther with Adaptec AHA-1542A (SCSI).
But, I have not seen any of them with more than 2 drive total. ie.
they all have one SCSI and one other type of drives. And the Perstor
board had problem doing low level formatting when the SCSI board was
plugged in. Simple solution; remove SCSI board, do Perstor low level
format, re-install SCSI and do the rest.
Regards, ## Life is fast enough as it is ........
Peter Lim. ## .... DON'T PUSH IT !! >>>-------,
########################################### :
E-mail: plim@hpsgwg.HP.COM Snail-mail: Hewlett Packard Singapore, :
Tel: (065)-279-2289 (ICDS, ICS) |
Telnet: 520-2289 1150 Depot Road, __\@/__
... also at: pnl@hpfipnl.HP.COM Singapore 0410. SPLAT !
#include <standard_disclaimer.hpp>