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jpx5
10-14-09, 11:30 AM
Running XP SP3 on a Dell Optiplex 320. Is there any limitation on the size of the drive I can install
Thx in advance for any input
Ken S
10-14-09, 02:05 PM
Running XP SP3 on a Dell Optiplex 320. Is there any limitation on the size of the drive I can install
Thx in advance for any input

Unless your BIOS has an issue....and I seriously doubt that a machine running XP SP3 would have the problem you shouldn't have an issue running anything up to the latest 2TB drives.

newegg.com is having a sale on 1TB WD drives today...I think they're $79.
The Merg
10-14-09, 03:13 PM
The Dell Optiplex can accept SATA HDD's. Looking at the specs, the MiniTower version can accept two hardddrives. The Desktop version looks like it only has room for one harddrive. As Ken stated, you should be fine using up to 2TB drives.

- Merg
rudeney
10-14-09, 04:32 PM
Make sure you get a SATA cable with a right-angle connector. On the slimmer desktop version, you can add a 2nd hard drive, but it will have to be installed in place of the floppy drive.
The Merg
10-14-09, 04:43 PM
Make sure you get a SATA cable with a right-angle connector. On the slimmer desktop version, you can add a 2nd hard drive, but it will have to be installed in place of the floppy drive.

To add to that, if you currently use IDE drives and are switching to SATA, make sure that the powersupply has SATA power cables. If not, you need to purchase molex to SATA extenders to power the new drive (if it is a SATA drive).

- Merg
jpx5
10-17-09, 08:54 AM
Thanks for all the responses.

One question, why will I need the right angle cable.
ncxcstud
10-17-09, 09:49 AM
depending on how much space you have in your case, right angle connectors just use the space more efficiently...
rudeney
10-17-09, 09:42 PM
Thanks for all the responses.

One question, why will I need the right angle cable.

The Dell "mini tower" cases have slots for second (and third) hard drives to slide in sideways. The connectors on the back of the drive are right under the case cover and it requires a right angle cable in order to clear the cover.