Dell Dimension 4500 - replacement internal hard drive

[LenC]

I'd like to increase size of internal hard drive on this backup computer. How do I determine the appropriate specifications? I don't understand the various specifications beyond knowing I do NOT want a sata drive. Do I want IDE or EIDE? How about RPM speed? How about ATA 100 or 133?

Thanks for your guidance on this.

[JRViejo]

LenC, first, use Crystal Disk Info (http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskInfo/index-e.html) to find the specs on the drive you already have. Then, use your Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Manuals (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4500/) page for more info. Looks like IDE Ultra ATA100 is what you have (from the Technical Specs page) and at newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150014%201035907789&bop=And&Order=PRICE), you'll find quite a few. 7200 RPM is today's average standard.

[wtsinnc]

Hello LecC;

Here's a link to the manual for the tower.
It states ATA 100 hard drive (7200 rpm).
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4500/specs.htm#1101572

For the small form factor;
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4500s/
ATA-66 or ATA 100.

[LenC]

JRViejo and wtsinnc -

Thank you VERY much - very helpful information.

Regards,
Len

[JRViejo]

LenC, you're welcome! Take care.

[LenC]

I'll report back - I need to find some time to work on this - but it sounds pretty straightforward.

[wtsinnc]

LenC;

Here is a link to Newegg. It has eight ATA-100 hard drives and website links to more information.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=14&Description=&Type=&N=2010150014&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&OEMMark=1&OEMMark=0&PropertyCodeValue=359%3A7789&PropertyCodeValue=355%3A7776&PropertyCodeValue=360%3A7800

This is not to specifically endorse Newegg as the place to buy your hard drive; just a link for good product information and representative prices.

[LenC]

Thanks - I almost always use Newegg - really like them:thumb:

[LenC]

-{ Quote: "LenC;

Here is a link to Newegg. It has eight ATA-100 hard drives and website links to more information.

QUOTE]

All these products indicate they are "OEM" and not "retail". I read the FAQs but I'm still not entirely sure as to the difference. Can someone explain - at least with respect to a hard drive?

Len

[BlueZannetti]

-{ Quote: "All these products indicate they are "OEM" and not "retail". I read the FAQs but I'm still not entirely sure as to the difference. Can someone explain - at least with respect to a hard drive?" }-From the Newegg website...-{ Quote: "What are the differences between the OEM and retail versions of a product?

Retail versions may come with additional accessories, retail packaging, bundled software and warranty coverage. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), White Box and Brown Box versions include the product and sometimes the drivers, but not much else. They are packaged generically and do not include software. OEM products are best-suited for system builders who don't require documentation or bundled accessories.

OEM software is delivered in a generic sleeve or container with little to no documentation or instructions. Because the serial number is exposed, OEM software cannot be refunded. Retail software comes with greater warranty coverage, all available retail packaging and accessories." }-
Blue

[JRViejo]

LenC, coupled with the info that Blue just gave you, review Adding a Second Hard Drive (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4500/replace.htm#1102155) in the Adding Parts section of your Dell Manual.

[LenC]

Thank you Blue -

No-frills packaging is fine. I just want to be sure I won't have to purchase or supply any additional items such as cables or connectors. Is that correct? Are there at least basic instructions?

[prius04]

-{ Quote: "...I just want to be sure I won't have to purchase or supply any additional items such as cables or connectors. Is that correct?" }-
Yes. Your PC should have a spare power cable and a second connector on the ribbon cable, both of which you will plug in to your new drive. Pretty easy to check, anyway.....just open the case and make sure they exist.

-{ Quote: "Are there at least basic instructions?" }-
Nope. I've bought quite a few OEM HDDs from Newegg and not one has come with anything more inside the box than the drive and bubble wrap.

[stapp]

You may have to wait a few seconds for this to load, also listen while he explains what he is going to do, but this site is showing you how to install a second hard drive. It's really worth watching, give it a try.

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/videoview/181919

Also shows videos of other hardware work people may need to do.

[LenC]

-{ Quote: "You may have to wait a few seconds for this to load, also listen while he explains what he is going to do, but this site is showing you how to install a second hard drive. It's really worth watching, give it a try.

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/videoview/181919

Also shows videos of other hardware work people may need to do." }-

Will definitely check this out - thank you!