[wplug] BIOS limit HD size???

[Phil]

On Fri, 2004-06-25 at 19:26, Jonathan Billings wrote:
> Gentgeen wrote:
> > I have an older box working as a file server in my house.  I use it for
> > backups and shared files between all my other boxes.  The box is a P100
> > era machine with two 3GB hard drives running Debian Woody.  I would LOVE
> > to buy an new HD to put in the machine, but I seem to remember something
> > about the Mobo or the BIOS limiting the size of the HD.  
> >   1)  Is this true, or am I just loosing my mind??  
> 
> No, it is entirely possible, even likely that such a limit exists.
> 
> >   2)  If it is true is there any work arounds or fixes? 
> 
> You could check to see if there is a BIOS update.  Also, you could use a 
> PCI IDE card for the disks, which wouldn't have the same limitations as 
> the on-board IDE.
> 
> >   3)  Would a BIOS flash fix the problem?  Would a BIOS flash mess up my 
> >       box?  Would I even be able to find the BIOS flash for such an old 
> >       box?
> 
> It is possible that it could cause problems, but usually these BIOS 
> flashes are well tested.  (At least, by the good vendors...)  However, 
> it is easy to screw up and install the wrong flash, or do something 
> wrong during the flash process and corrupt the BIOS.
> 
> Where I work, we find it easier to just replace the machine if it is 
> that old.  It would soon find itself in the dumpster.

where is that dumpster ;=) (just kidding)  Seriously, I've been shopping
for a used pc to play with - at places like goodwill computers and
another place in Robinson (don't know if it's still there) but the
prices are close enough to new entry level Dells advertised on tv that I
wind up not buying anything.  Probably will wait until I upgrade
something and use the leftover parts to create another pc.  

Phil


> 
> Jonathan Billings
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> wplug mailing list
> wplug at wplug.org
> http://www.wplug.org/mailman/listinfo/wplug