48bit IDE on K7V

[ErsatzTom]

Anyone know of a way to access >128GB on a drive using the onboard IDE on an ASUS K7V (Slot A) MB? I don't think it can be done but wanted to ask before I run out and buy a PCI IDE card. Normally, I wouldn't give it a second thought but currently I don't have any free slots in my server (3 pvr250's, 1 10/100 Ethernet card, 1 sound card). I guess I'll just have to yank the sound card. I don't ever use the server for viewing so that isn't really a problem except that it is a lot more convenient when adjust the capture parameters to view it on the server and sage seems to balk if there is no working audio on the machine.

[gplasky]

Make sure you have the latest BIOSfor your PC. Manufacturers have been upgrading BIOS files to help support those 250GB drives that are getting popular.


Gerry

[ErsatzTom]

I did... but the last bios for the board was released in 2000. Erk.

t

[gplasky]

Bummer-some of the new drives also come with software that will let Windows see the whole drive. I think one of them uses aoftware called "Drive Manager".

Gerry

[robertmcox]

You can purchase a Promise Ultra 100 for < $50 that will allow 48-bit access. An added benefit is having more IDE channels. I make use of these cards entensively (I use the FastTrak as well).

-Bert

[phenixdragon]

Western Digital had something in their KB about this. I believe there is a way in Windows for it to see the larger drive w/o the BIOS needed to be updated with 48 bit. I may be wrong on this; it might have said that the BIOS needed to be updated to 48 bit and you may have to then install a utility for Windows.

So you may want to check with the HDD manufacture and see if they offer some type of utility, or even the mobo manufacture.

You could also think about running an external drive with that to keep your PCI slots for all your other cards. That should have no problems on seeing the full HDD size.

[ErsatzTom]

I ended up picking up a SIIG Ultra ATA/133 PCI Controller for $40. I guess I'll just pull the sound card. Sooner or later I'm sure I'll end up upgrading the system and get a mb with lan, audio, and video on board.

t

[Opus4]

Just in case anyone needs this info, see this MS Knowledge Base regarding 48-bit LBA in XP:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...d=kb;ru;303013

Pay attention to the note about the version of ATAPI.SYS on your system. The above page provides the following link for updating that file:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;331958

Also, whether your motherboard's IDE controller would have accessed the drive, that SIIG controller will allow a higher data rate throughput.

Finally, remember that it is possible that some 3rd party utilities may not be fully compatible with partitions >137GB. I gave up trying to figure out what was causing periodic corruptions on my 250GB drive and just partitioned it into 2 drives of 125GB each. So far it seems to work.

- Andy

[insomniac]

If anyone is interrested, I have 2 extra IDE cards (from purchasing large drives). Id be willing to part with them for $25 ea. Drop me a pm if you have a need for one..

I have no need for them, all my mobos are complient.

I.