I have a Vaio Desktop (VGC-RA716G) with a HDD (250GB2 7200 rpm PATA) that’s on its last leg. I was told that I can replace it with an Ultra ATA or an ATA by the guys at Seagate, but Sony says PATA only. Seagate also says that I can upsize to a 400 or 500GB if the bios supports it, but Sony said that since it’s a 250GB, they only ‘recommend’ that I get the same size. Any hardware Gurus out there? HELP!!!
2006-08-15 15:38:45 · 6 answers · asked by wupierto 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
They are both the same. It just came out to help people not get confused with ATA and SATA. So now, ATA became PATA, which makes it more confusing than not. Who the hell decided on this. But yea if your Desktop right now supports 250GB, then you will be able to use the 400GB or 500GB drives. But it also depends on what version of Windows you are using. Windows has size limits. Just don't know what they are of the top of my head. But you can still purchase the bigger drive and just partition them. Make one for your C drive and one for documents, one for music, etc.......
2006-08-15 16:46:30 · answer #1 · answered by b_jay82 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are mixing apples and oranges. PATA (parallel) and SATA (serial) are two different types of hard drives. If your computer does not support a SATA drive, then purchase a new PATA drive. I would buy the 250 GB drive and install a fresh copy of windows. Then re-install all your programs. Any data files you want to keep from your old drive can be copied to the new drive. Once that is done, format the drive and use it for storage unless you are convinced it is not stable or making noise. The other option is to use the software that comes with hard drives to image the old drive to the new drive or use Nortons Ghost program to make a copy of your old drive. The Ultra ATA or ATA is usually not an issue. The Ultra ATA cable is different and the bios is normally set to auto for hard drives to select the fastest mode. Good luck.
2006-08-15 16:01:46 · answer #2 · answered by swiftyjed 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PATA = ATA = Ultra ATA
Parallel ATA (PATA) refers to drives that connect to the motherboard through an IDE cable. The term PATA came into being once Serial ATA drives were introduced. I'm not sure what your bios supports but seagate drives come with (or you can download) and installation wizard that will help you deal with any shortcomings of your bios.
2006-08-15 15:54:03 · answer #3 · answered by Fremen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PATA and ATA are the same thing. Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment vs. Advanced Technology Attachment. Both same, just ATA drops the Parallel part because it *was* implied. Now there's SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment), but thats another issue.
2006-08-15 15:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by steveb1492 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sony is giving you the "Help Desk" answer, i.e. They don't know. You should be safe upgrading to 400G ATA, just remember that the new disk will need to be initialized in admin tools if you are using xp.
2006-08-15 15:46:01 · answer #5 · answered by deyarteb_2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-01-04 09:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋