What exact internal hard drive do I need for my Compaq EVO D500 SFF?

Question

1. I have a Compaq EVO D500 SFF. There's only room for one internal hard drive so please don't tell me just buy another one and place in a free slot.

2. The computer is a Pentium 4 using a 60GB hard drive with 1GB of RAM. The computer is using Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 as its operating system.

A. How large of an internal hard drive can I install onto this computer in terms of GBs??? 100GB? 120GB? 200GB?

B. How does one know which type of hard drive to get? Is there somewhere on the computer that tells me to get IDE, SATA, ATA ???? is there a program on Windows 2000 that lets you know this pertinent information?

C. Are there any recommendable, legit websites offering free info on hard drives and FAQs? a site that will tell me exactly what type of hard drive goes with a certain model of computer no matter it's age?

This computer is not a laptop. It is a desktop in the truest sense. It's designed to sit on a literal desk and not take up too much space. It also allows you to place the monitor on top of it. It's sometimes called a pizza box PC because of it's shape.

Also, I'm not taking any computer to a major retailer or mom and pop store, when I'm fully capable of doing the repairs and upgrades myself.

My computer works fine. I don't need the cheap lazy answer of ....... Hey, why not just get a new computer!!! People with too much money to burn or people with bad credit history think along those lines.

Answer 1

You can use an ATA100 connection hard drive with your computer. (You will also see these advertised as PATA or EIDE.)

Since the 80's, this was the standard hard drive for all consumer based computers. SATA is a relatively recent development, only a few years old in the consumer market. Thus there was no need back then to determine what type of connection you needed for your hard drive. There is not a program on Windows 2000 to give you this info.

I believe that the upper limit for the hard drive is 650gb. The service packs may have increased that limit. I would go for at least a 320gb, which you can now pick up for under $100. Also, there is no limit on the speed and cache of your hard drive. I would recommend at least a 7200rpm and 16gb cache.

I have included the link to the Newegg website for hard drives of this style. Since you appear to have a small form factor case, (from what I infer from your description) pay attention to the reviews and what they say about the heat put off by the hard drives. Your case may not have much in the way of cooling.

I have listed a web site that gives you a little bit of information on your computer. I hope that it helps.

I think that I covered all of your questions, but not quite in the right order. Good luck with installing your new hard drive!

Answer 2

All hard drives are built the same in principle. However, most laptop manufacturers have an adapter that slips onto the pin sets to allow it to operate with the laptop, so all you'll need to do is swap that adapter to the new drive. You'll need to go to Compaq's website and check out the support for your laptop. Many times in the past, they would release BIOS updates to add support for larger hard drives. If you can find the BIOS updates, read the support notes and it will tell you what you need to know.
On Windows 2000, I've had large hard drives working without a problem, so the only thing you need to worry about is your BIOS to see if it will support a larger drive.
Also, you'll be needing an IDE drive.

Answer 3

you can install as big a hd that you want but then you have to reinstall your operating system im surprised that you cant piggy back another hard drive i would take it to comp usa and ask their advise you should be able to get another cable and piggy back a second hard drive thats wierd a hard drive is for storage a bigger one wont make your computer run faster if you want a faster cmputer look at upgrading your cpu