Use old parallel hard drive in m9340f desktop?

[Kirb]

I have a parallel ATA hard drive from my old computer that I'd like to add to my m9340f, which has a serial ATA as it's hdd.  I'm not sure, but don't think I see a parallel connection on the motherboard that I can use.  There are available slots next to the serial ATA in the hdd box, but I think all I can see are serial connections (power and data).  Do I have to use a converter for both power and data transfer?  If so, does anyone have suggestions on good ones to use?  Or should I just buy an external hard drive enclosure (would rather not).

Thanks!

[1badGuard]

Maybe?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816124015

[anon]

External HDD enclosure (>£10) would be recommended. You could buy a converter card, it would strictly be necessary only for data as IDE uses the 4 pin 'Molex' power connectors that there are probably plenty of spare. Converter cards tend to be pretty expensive.

[kcnwa · Accepted solution]

The m9340f uses the IPIBL-LB motherbard. As you guessed, it does not have a PATA/IDE connector, just a floppy and SATA:

 

You have a couple options:

1. You could just get an external enclosure and put it in that and use USB or Firewire. This is probably the best choice. Look around on the internet, you should be ableto find them for under $20.(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121034)

2. They make PATA to SATA connectors, however, this would require you to open your computer and mount the drive. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232004)

3. Install a PATA controller card. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815280009). But since all of your expansion slots are full, you'd have to pull one out. 

Message Edited by kcnwa on 05-21-2009 06:31 AM

Message Edited by kcnwa on 05-21-2009 06:32 AM

[RoyalSerpent]

HP is soooo cheap.  Can't even afford to include a 50 cents PATA connector?  External USB 2.0 will be limited to about 22MB/s vs +60MB/s for a decent internal hard drive.

[Kirb]

Thanks for the terrific information.  I'm somewhat inclined to use a converter.  The one you referenced looks fine.  I've monkeyed around a little bit inside before, so I'm comfortable with that.  One question:  Would I need to also get a power converter of some kind or should there be one already available that should match the PATA drive?  I could do an external drive, but I already have one and I'd rather not clutter things up too much.  I've also heard that the external drives (USB) are not as fast as an internal one.  Hmmm - if I did go ahead with an internal, is it going to cause too much additional heat build up inside the machine?  Or take too much power?  I've read concerns here about heat causing the audio card fan to make a loud noise and about the power supply being somewhat weak.

Okay - I asked more than one question.  Hope you (or someone) can help.  The responses so far have been great at helping.  Thanks to everyone.

[kcnwa]

Your power supply is more than capable than running a couple extra drives. IDE and SATA both use the 4-pin molex, which I know you have at least one extra in your computer.

As far as the video card, it's not heat, it's a faulty fan shoud, so just don't bump it when you're in there

[Kirb]

Thanks for the answers.  You are spot on with what I was wondering.  I'll try a converter and let you know how it goes.  Keep up the great advice - oldsters like me need your help!

[1badGuard]

Honestly, Since you paid so much for the computer, I would say just purchase a new SATA HDD and transfer all the data over to it and that way you won't have to worry about compatability.

Good Luck

[Kirb]

Thanks for the suggestion - I may end up getting a new drive.  I would like to be able to use the old drive and not just trash it.  I also would have to have some way of getting the info off of the old drive onto a new one.  Not sure how to do that cheaply and easily.