Maxtor ATA manual Big Drive Enabler Software download, To use the Maxtor Big Drive Enabler

Page 28

Installation

The SETUP program allows you to enter the types of optional hardware installed— such as the hard disk drive type, the floppy disk drive capacity, and the display adapter type. The system’s BIOS uses this information to initialize the system when the power is switched on. For instructions on how to use the SETUP program, refer to the system manual for your PC.

During the AT system CMOS setup, you must enter the drive type for the QuickView Serial ATA hard disk drives. The drive supports the translation of its physical drive geometry parameters such as cylinders, heads, and sectors per track to a logical addressing mode. The drive can work with different BIOS drive-type tables of the various host systems.

You can choose any drive type that does not exceed the capacity of the drive. Table 3-2 gives the logical parameters that provide the maximum capacity on the QuickView Serial ATA hard disk drives.

3.8.1Big Drive Enabler (Software download)

Maxtor’s Big Drive Enabler is a one step executable that enables support for drives larger than 137 Gigabytes in Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and XP Service Pack 1. This utility takes the guess work out of editing the windows registry. The Big Drive Enabler fixes an operating system limitations. This utility is needed anytime a hard drive larger than 137 GB is connected to a system’s ATA bus, regardless of any system BIOS that supports 48-bit LBA.

Note: Failure to install the required service packs and install the Enabler Big LBA patch can result in data loss when accessing the hard disk beyond 137 Gigabytes. For more information regarding Win- dows limitations and the 137 Gigabyte barrier, please read Max- tor Knowledge Base Answer ID 960 and Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 303013.

3.8.2To use the Maxtor Big Drive Enabler,

Download big_drive_enabler.exe from the Maxtor.com website, then double click on the downloaded file to begin installation.

3.9Logical Addressing Format Specifications

Table 3-2Logical Addressing Format

MODELS

INTERFACE

CYL

HD

SPT

MAX LBA

CAPACITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3H400F0

SATA 300

16,383

16

63

781,422,768

400GB

16 MB Buffer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3H500F0

SATA 300

16,383

16

63

976,773,168

500GB

16 MB Buffer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maxtor QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive

3-13

Image 28
Contents QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Product Manual January 13 Part NumberUL/CSA/VDE/TUV /RoHS PatentsPublication Number Part Number Before You Begin Table of Contents Sata BUS Interface and ATA Commands Introduction List of Figures List Of Tables Audience Manual OrganizationTerminology and Conventions ATAReferences General Description Product OverviewKEY Features Regulatory Compliance Standards Product EMI/EMS QualificationsHardware Requirements Installation Space RequirementsUnpacking Instructions 220-Pack Shipping Container Hardware Options Serial ATA Interface Connector Normal operation 3Gbps Limit Data Transfer Rate 1.5GbpsSerial ATA Bus Connector Adapter Board1Device plug connector pin definition ATA Bus Interface Connector J1, Section C MountingOrientation Following points should be noted5Mounting Screw Clearance and Mounting Screw Locations 6QuickView Serial ATA Mounting Dimensions Clearance Ventilation7Lengthwise Airflow Cooling Adapter Board Installation Techniques in Drive ConfigurationFor Systems with AN ATA Adapter Board Operating System LimitationsBig Drive Enabler Software download To use the Maxtor Big Drive EnablerInstallation Drive Configuration Model Number and CapacityPerformance Specifications Physical DimensionsMode Power Mode Definitions EPA Energy Star ComplianceEnvironmental Limits Parameter Operating NON-OPERATINGShock and Vibration PSDReliability Specifications Annualized Return RateStart/Stop Cycles Data ReliabilitySafety Regulatory Compliance Canadian Emissions StatementCommand Interface IntroductionMechanical Interface Electrical InterfaceSupported Commands Command Feature Register Code ValuesRead LOG Extension Identify Drive Command Content Description Capabilities Sata Bus Interface and ATA Commands Minimum PIO transfer cycle time without flow control Minor version number See Address Offset Reserved Area Boot, Incits TR272001 = release interrupt enabled General Purpose Logging feature set supported Content Description Removable Media Status Notification feature set support Security status Sata Bus Interface and ATA Commands Warranty Services Product SupportGlossary Glossary FCI Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI Kilobyte Kb a unit of measure consisting of 1,024 210 bytes Millisecond ms One thousandth of a second .001 sec Glossary Sata Acronym for Serial ATA Glossary Index

ATA specifications

Maxtor ATA drives have played a significant role in the evolution of data storage technology, particularly during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for their reliability and performance, these drives became a popular choice for consumers and businesses alike.

One of the main features of Maxtor ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) drives is their interface. The ATA standard, which later evolved into the Parallel ATA (PATA) and Serial ATA (SATA) interfaces, allowed for the easy connection of hard drives to computers. This ensured broad compatibility across various systems, making it easier for users to upgrade their storage without facing compatibility issues.

The performance of Maxtor ATA drives was also a notable characteristic. With spinning speeds typically around 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM, these drives provided competitive read and write speeds compared to their contemporaries. The utilization of larger cache memory, often up to 8 MB or more, helped improve data transfer rates, ensuring quick access to files and applications.

Maxtor also deployed various technologies to enhance the reliability and longevity of their drives. One such innovation was the use of Shock Protection technologies, which minimized the risk of data loss due to physical shocks or impacts. This was particularly important for portable storage devices, where movement and jostling are common.

The drives were also designed with data integrity in mind. Maxtor incorporated features like S.M.A.R.T (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) to help predict drive failures by monitoring various parameters. This proactive approach greatly assisted users in taking precautions against data loss.

Capacity-wise, Maxtor ATA drives varied significantly over the years, from a few gigabytes in the early 1990s to several terabytes by the time the brand was phased out. This scalability made Maxtor products suitable for both casual users and enterprises needing to store vast amounts of data.

In conclusion, the Maxtor ATA drives represented a significant step forward in storage technology, combining reliability, performance, and innovation. Their legacy continues to influence modern storage solutions, as many of the underlying principles and technologies have persisted into the current era of data storage. Though the brand is no longer in active development, its impact remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of computing.