ATA Smart Drives, Drive Capacities, Pata Device Classes

Serial and Parallel ATA Drive Guidelines and Features

The drive attached to a channel must have a drive designation. If a drive is attached to the Device 0 cable position and its cable-select jumper is present, the drive is designated as Device

0.Similarly, if a drive is attached to the Device 1 cable position and its cable-select jumper is present, the drive is designated as Device 1.

For optimal performance of a computer system, all drives need to be attached to the PATA channel(s) in a specified sequence. This sequence is determined by the device class of the drives and by specific attach sequence rules.

4.3.1 PATA Device Classes

To determine the best drive attach sequence, ATA/ATAPI drives are segregated into four different classes based upon the bandwidth demands they place on an ATA channel. The most demanding devices are in Class 1 and the least demanding are in Class 4.

Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4
Hard	High Speed	Optical Storage	Magnetic
Drives	Optical Drives	Drives	Storage Drives

Only MultiBay	DVD	R/W CD-ROM	Zip
hard drive is	DVD-CD R/W	CD-ROM
supported

General Attach Guidelines

■The lower the device class number, the faster the device and the more bandwidth required.

■A drive installed in the Device 0 position receives the greatest possible bandwidth.

4.4ATA SMART Drives

The Self Monitoring Analysis and Recording Technology (SMART) ATA drives for the HP Personal Computers have built-in drive failure prediction that warns the user or network administrator of an impending failure or crash of the hard drive. The SMART drive tracks fault prediction and failure indication parameters such as reallocated sector count, spin retry count, and calibration retry count. If the drive determines that a failure is imminent, it generates a fault alert.

4.5 Drive Capacities

The combination of the file system and the operating system used in the computer determines the maximum usable size of a drive partition. A drive partition is the largest segment of a drive that the operating system can properly access. Therefore, a single hard drive can be subdivided into a number of unique drive partitions in order to make use of all of its space.

Because of the differences in the way that drive sizes are calculated, the size reported by the operating system may differ from that marked on the hard drive or listed in the computer specification. Drive size calculations by drive manufacturers are bytes to the base 10 while calculations by Microsoft are bytes to the base 2.

Service Reference Guide, dx5150

361685-001

4–5

dx5150 specifications

The HP dx5150 is a robust personal computer designed primarily for business applications, offering reliable performance, essential features, and a compact design. Built to meet the demands of office environments, the dx5150 showcases HP's commitment to quality and functionality.

One notable feature of the HP dx5150 is its AMD Athlon 64 processor. This processor provides impressive performance capabilities, allowing users to run various applications simultaneously without compromising speed. The system supports dual-core technology, which enhances multitasking efficiency and overall system responsiveness, making it ideal for professionals who require reliable performance for their daily tasks.

In terms of memory, the dx5150 supports up to 4GB of DDR RAM, permitting smooth operation of memory-intensive applications and facilitating efficient data handling. The computer integrates various storage options, including SATA hard drives, ensuring ample space for files and enabling quick data retrieval. With options for additional storage configurations, users can tailor the machine to fit their specific data management needs.

Connectivity is another essential characteristic of the HP dx5150. It comes equipped with multiple USB ports, facilitating connections to various peripherals such as printers, scanners, or external drives. The system also features Ethernet and modem capabilities, ensuring seamless internet and network connectivity for online collaboration and communication, critical in a business setting.

Moreover, the dx5150 is designed with expansion in mind, featuring a full-length PCI slot and an optional PCI Express x16 slot. This allows users to enhance and upgrade their system's capabilities over time, ensuring longevity and adaptability in a swiftly changing technological landscape.

Beyond tech specifications, the HP dx5150 emphasizes ease of use and maintenance. The chassis is designed for straightforward access to components, simplifying upgrades and repairs. This modularity is especially beneficial for businesses looking to maintain and service their computers efficiently.

In summary, the HP dx5150 stands out as a dependable choice for businesses that require a compact, powerful, and upgradable PC solution. With its AMD processor, ample memory options, robust connectivity features, and a focus on maintainability, the dx5150 represents an excellent investment for enterprises seeking to enhance productivity in their workflows. Its combination of features caters well to office environments, making it a reliable tool for employees across various industries.