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    Difference in Dell notebook hard drives?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by USFister, May 3, 2006.

  1. USFister

    USFister Notebook Enthusiast

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    I posted this question in an older thread in the wrong forum... so I am reposting so maybe someone can help me with an answer.

    When I look at the XPSs in Dell's Oulet, some of the hard drives listed, notably on the more inexpensive offers, are "EIDE". These EIDE HDs seem to be the option for the notebooks with more storage capacity. For example, the hard drive on one offer is listed as a 60 G (I) 7200RPM, while the hard drive on a comparable offer is listed as a 100 GB EIDE Hard Drive (7200 RPM). Other than the obvious capacity difference, what's the difference between these two, and which one is the better choice? Thanks for your help.
     
    USFister, May 3, 2006
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  2. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    EIDE or also commonly known as ATA(ParallelATA), is a standardized format to connect HDD's to the laptops/desktops. It is the most widely used format. It has nothing to do with the storage capacity.

    There is a new format called SATA(Serial ATA) which is replacing the PATA, some newer notebooks use it and is becoming popular. PATA is not dead yet and will probably be available for the next few years.

    Check out the below link. It should help you out better than what probably I have explained...
    http://www.harddrivereport.com/pata_vs_ata_vs_sata_vs_ide.html
     
    miner, May 3, 2006
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