Is it possible to add an Ultra ATA Hard Drive to my computer?

Question

I already have two SATAs the main one I have is a nice WD 74GB raptor, both drives work great.

I just found a 300GB Ultra ATA Seagate Barracuda that my dad had around the house and would love to add it to my system. I noticed I have two IDE slots available on my motherboard for that.

I want to know if I can add the Barracuda (without formatting it) so I can access the current data, wich I believe are photos.

Again, all I want to do is make sure I can add it and that it won't cause any trouble with my other SATAs drives and most importantly, that I can do it without having to format the drive so I can access its contents.

If this is possible, what is the safest way to go about it?

Answer 1

Yeah it will work. You just have to connect it. Make sure the jumper is set to "MASTER" on the hard drive for it work (many come from the factory set to SLAVE, because they are hooking it up on the same channel as another ATA hard drive). The only safety concern is static electricity (not for you, but for the computer). Your body accumulates small amounts of static electricity constantly, and the hardware in the computer is extremely sensitive to this. All you have to do, however, to prevent problems is to ground yourself to the case of the computer (just touch the metal part of the computer case, do this every minute or so while your working).

uh, you def don't need any "adapters" or cards to hook up an ATA hard drive

and on another note, you won't have to format the drive.

Answer 2

Yes with an Adapter or a IDE controller card.You will have to find a good quality adapter to accommodate the ATA drive. You'll have to slave it. Also memory access and speed "may" create conflicts in UMB. You could also get an external USB hard drive kit and use it that way for backing your files or for storage.
Serial -ATA =Faster access Newer technology
ATA Direct Memory Access= Data Intergrity older effective technology

Answer 3

somewhat lots pay attention to the 2d answer. you like a stronger case. shop the money he's conversing approximately and funky it with water. Koolance has astounding circumstances with pre put in water cooling. forget approximately SLI. in case you like that nuch storage use 4- 250 GB SATA HD in Raid O. you will desire a floppy rigidity to place in the Raid drivers. 4 confusing drives in a Raid Array would be way swifter than a million- 1TB rigidity. activity on dude!

Answer 4

I don't know if it work but it can be done but you need make sure that the primary RAID remains the Master.

You need a IDE cable to connect your Ultra ATA to the motherboard. Refer to your motherboard or vendor manual for details. If not, connect your technical support provider for instructions.

Answer 5

Just plug it in, you should be just fine.