Seagate ST38420A, ST313030A Recommendation, Addressing drive-capacity limitations, Mbyte limit

Models: ST34310A ST38420A ST317240A ST310231A ST313030A

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Medalist 17240, 13030, 10231, 8420 and 4310, Rev. B

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Recommendation

We recommend you use Disk Manager to diagnose your BIOS and to determine whether additional BIOS support is needed. Disk Manager indicates when the installation is complete. If Disk Manager determines that your BIOS needs support for drives with capacities greater than 8.4 Gbytes, detailed instructions will be provided regarding booting from a floppy. See page 15 for information on Installation using Disk Manager.

In addition, Disk Manager provides a quicker, easier installation. Disk Manager partitions and formats your drive. If you do not want to use Disk Manager, you can use the standard DOS com- mands to partition and format your drive, as described on page 17.

Addressing drive-capacity limitations

Some DOS-based computers and operating systems are not designed to accommodate large-capacity hard disc drives. The three most common system limitations are listed below, along with suggestions for overcoming these limitations. See your sys- tem manual to determine which (if any) of these limitations applies to your computer.

528-Mbyte limit

The BIOS in some older computers cannot accommodate drives with capacities greater than 528 Mbytes. Seagate provides free Disk Manager software with your drive to overcome this limita- tion. Alternatively, you can purchase a hard drive controller or a BIOS upgrade that supports drives with capacities greater than 528 Mbytes.

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Seagate ST38420A, ST313030A, ST310231A, ST317240A manual Recommendation, Addressing drive-capacity limitations, Mbyte limit

ST34310A, ST38420A, ST317240A, ST310231A, ST313030A specifications

The Seagate ST313030A, ST310231A, ST317240A, ST38420A, and ST34310A are notable hard drive models that contributed to the evolution of data storage technology in their respective eras. Each of these drives introduced various features and innovations that catered to the growing demands for efficiency, speed, and reliability in data management.

The ST313030A is a 13GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive that emerged in the late 1990s. It utilized a 3.5-inch form factor and was designed primarily for desktop computers. A key feature of this model was its high data transfer rate, which significantly improved the performance of applications demanding fast read/write capabilities. The drive also featured Advanced Power Management (APM) technology, allowing it to balance performance with energy efficiency.

Following closely was the ST310231A, a 10GB hard drive that offered similar performance benchmarks but introduced enhancements in error correction and data integrity. The device operated at 5400 RPM, providing quicker access times compared to its predecessors. Its robust design and Native Command Queuing (NCQ) support allowed for optimized data access patterns, ultimately enhancing overall system responsiveness.

The ST317240A, another significant model, pushed boundaries with a capacity of 17GB. This drive was praised for its reliability, featuring Seagate's innovative ShockGuard technology, which provided improved resistance to physical shocks and impacts. It was designed for both consumer and enterprise applications, solidifying its place as a reliable storage solution for various use cases.

The ST38420A took a leap forward with a storage capacity of 28.6GB, integrating advanced technologies that included error recovery and a more efficient interface design. This drive also facilitated the use of larger files, catering to the growing multimedia applications of the late 1990s. Its ability to function efficiently in systems with limited power supplies made it a favorable choice for both desktop and mobile devices.

Finally, the ST34310A, boasting a capacity of 40GB, further emphasized performance and reliability. It was equipped with features like thermal recalibration, which minimized operating temperature fluctuations, prolonging the drive’s lifecycle. The drive's legacy is marked by its user-friendly interface and high compatibility across various operating systems.

In summary, these Seagate hard drives represent a pivotal evolution in storage technology, each contributing unique features and technologies that have influenced modern data storage solutions. They laid the foundation for subsequent innovations in the field, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and performance.