Tyan Computer S2912 Primary Master/Slave Sub-Menu, Type, Multi-Sector Transfers, LBA Mode Control

3.4.5.1 Primary Master/Slave Sub-Menu

The system displays advanced details like the number of heads/cylinders/sectors on the detected disk and the maximum storage capacity of the disk.

This option lets you set the following hard disk parameters:

Type

Selects the type of device connected to the system.

Options: Auto / CD/DVD / Not Installed / ARMD

Multi-Sector Transfers

This option allows you to specify the number of sectors per block for multiple sector transfers.

Options: Disabled / 2 Sectors / 4 Sectors / 8 Sectors / 16 Sectors

LBA Mode Control

Enables or disables LBA Mode.

In LBA Mode, instead of referring to a cylinder, head and sector number, each sector is instead assigned a unique "sector number". In essence, the sectors are numbered 0, 1, 2, etc. up to (N-1), where N is the number of sectors on the disk. In order for LBA to work, it must be supported by the BIOS and operating system, but since it is also a new way of talking to the hard disk, the disk must support it as well. All newer hard disks do in fact support LBA, and when auto detected by a BIOS supporting LBA, will be set up to use that mode.

When LBA is turned on, the BIOS will enable geometry translation. This translation may be done in the same way that it is done in Extended CHS or large mode, or it

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