Maxtor D540X-4K manual Installation

Models: D540X-4K

1 96
Download 96 pages 40.17 Kb
Page 34
Image 34

Installation

￿￿￿￿￿6'%*0+37'5JGOlder￿￿￿￿￿BIOS/GICD[VGUthat￿+0￿only&4+8'￿$supportCTTKGT￿%10(+)74#6+10Int 13 commands for accessing ATA drives through DOS based operating systems will be limited to use only 1024 cylinders. This will reduce the effective capacity of the drive to 528 Mbytes.

Whenever possible the Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT drive should be used on systems that support LBA translation to ensure the use of the entire capacity of the disk drive. If that is not possible the following are some techniques that can be used to overcome this barrier.

Use a third party software program that translates the hard drive parameters to an acceptable configuration for MS-DOS.

Use a hard disk controller that translates the hard drive parameters to an appropriate setup for both MS-DOS and the computer system’s ROM- BIOS.

Insert the Alternate Capacity jumper on the drive (see Section 3.3.5).

￿￿￿￿￿6JGNewer￿￿￿￿￿)KICD[VGUBIOS’s allow￿$usersCTTKGTto configure disk drives to go beyond the 528 MB barrier by using several BIOS translation schemes. However, while using these translations the BIOS using Int 13 functions are limited to 24 bits of addressing which results in another barrier at the 8.4 GB capacity.

To overcome this barrier a new set of Int 13 extensions are being implemented by most BIOS manufacturers. The new Int 13 extensions use a 64-bit address field resulting in 9.4 terabytes of accessible space.

Whenever possible the Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT drive should be used on systems with BIOS that support Int 13 extensions. If that is not possible the following are some techniques that can be used to overcome this barrier:

Use a third party software that supplements the BIOS and adds Int 13 extension support.

Obtain a BIOS upgrade from the system board manufacturer. Many system board manufacturers allow their BIOS to be upgraded in the field using special download utilities. Information on BIOS upgrades can be obtained on the System Board Customer Service respective web sites on the Internet.

Insert the Alternate Capacity jumper on the drive (see Section 3.3.5).

3-16 Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT

Page 34
Image 34
Maxtor D540X-4K manual Installation

D540X-4K specifications

The Maxtor D540X-4K is a notable hard disk drive that has made its mark in the world of computer storage solutions. Launched in the early 2000s, this drive was known for its high capacity and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among consumers and businesses alike.

One of the main features of the D540X-4K is its generous storage capacity. With a range of models available, users could select from configurations starting at 40GB to larger sizes, accommodating a wide variety of storage needs. This capacity was particularly advantageous during an era when digital media was rapidly expanding, allowing users to store everything from documents and photos to videos and applications without running out of space.

The D540X-4K utilizes an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) interface, also known as PATA (Parallel ATA), which ensures compatibility with a broad spectrum of computers. This interface was standard at the time, making the drive accessible to a wide user base. The drive also supports ATA-100, providing data transfer rates of up to 100 MB/s, which was impressive for its time.

In terms of performance, the drive operates at a speed of 5400 RPM, which, while not the fastest in comparison to modern solid-state drives, provided a suitable balance of speed and efficiency for the average user’s needs. This rotational speed ensured decent read and write times for everyday applications, making it a reliable option for personal computing.

Another characteristic of the D540X-4K is its advanced data protection features. The drive was equipped with Maxtor's unique Shock Protection Technology, which helps protect the drive’s internal components from damage due to shocks or drops. This feature contributed to increased reliability, especially for users in mobile or high-traffic environments.

The Maxtor D540X-4K also incorporates a Cache Buffer, which enhances performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. The cache sizes varied across models, with options of 2MB or more, aiding in quicker data retrieval and overall improved system responsiveness.

In summary, the Maxtor D540X-4K is a hard drive that stands out for its storage capacity, compatibility, and protective features. Even today, it serves as a reminder of the evolution of data storage technologies, as it laid the groundwork for the high-capacity drives we utilize in modern computing. Its legacy continues to influence new technologies while reflecting the needs of the early digital era.