Installing a ATA HD into a SATA compatible CPU.

[Shunny]

I am interested in purchasing a Dell 8400 that will be equipped with a 160GB SATA HD. I have a 30GB ATA serial HD from a Gateway computer that I would like to install as a 2nd HD or at least install it long enough to download the data from it. I understand that the two are not compatible. Is there anything I can buy to make them compatible? For example, an adapter or cable.

Thanks!!!

 

[Mr5oh]

I have a 30GB ATA serial HD

I assume you mean a standard IDE, and not another SATA. The Dell computer you are buying should still have IDE slots on them, as the choices for SATA CD drives, is very very limited. You should be able to just plug in your IDE drive with no problems, you can even leave it in there it you want. SATA and IDE drives can be used at the same time.

Second, yes they sell converters, many new motherboards come with them, so if you know someone who has bought a motherboard recently you may be able to borrow one. The converter changes an IDE drive to a SATA drive, and just plugs into the back. But, like I said, this most likely isn't going to be necessary as you should be able to just plug the to hard drives in at the same time.

My Desktop: <A HREF="http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc.html" target="_new">http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc.html</A>
Overclocking Results: <A HREF="http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc2.html" target="_new">http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc2.html</A>

 

[Crashman]

I'm fairly certain the Dell has both. In fact, I'm also fairly certain that the CD-ROM is using the standard 40-pin cable. So there should be a place to plug it in.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>