As I also run a Maxtor drive, with this 'Maxblast' utility, can I suggest
that you ignore it, and just use it as a normal drive? Maxblast didn't do
anything for my setup, so subsequent builds I have just ignored it. I think
the only time you would need it is to low level format the drive, but how
often is that likely to happen??!!
Maxblast didn't offer any speed or performance increases, so try and do the
work without it.
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas & Peter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 1999 10:24 AM
Subject: Re: [newbie] EIDE Controler
I have a FIC 503 + MB that is less than a year old. It is a socket 7 that
has two built in IDE ports. I have already flashed my Bios to the newest
version. but that did not help. My hard drive is a 5.7 GB Maxtor 2880 with
UDMA . I built it from scratch myself. In the BIOS setup I use LBA and it
does see the drive . Its the Maxblast software that says my board dosnt
support it and makes me install the EZBios.
Civileme wrote:
> Ummmm'
>
> That's a BIOS issue, more than likely
>
> If your Motherboard is that old, sheesh. Get an upgrade to the BIOS. It
> is cheaper than a Promise Card if you can find one.
>
> In fact, an upgraded motherboard which will work with your processor is
> likely within reach at a price equal to the EIDE card.
>
> I have to think you are using something on Socket 5 or Socket 3.
>
> MediaGX 166 Boards are going at surplus distributors for about $45
> complete with processor. I have also seen things like PPro 200 with ATX
> board for $99. The MediaGX is Pentium compatible but some Mandrake
> upgrades do not like it.
>
> There are also Socket 7 boards which all recognize big EIDE drives
> without EZ-Bios for costs from $25 to $49. Any processor fitting Socket
> 5 will also work on Socket 7.
>
> If you have a 486 on Socket3, Mandrake is not likely to be for you.
>
> If you have something on Socket 5 which is not for MMX processors, the
> Evergreen upgrade (to a 180) has a new BIOS and a Flash Program with it
> and runs MMX anyway.
>
> So you could
>
> 1. Change the Motherboard and keep your processor and gain
> EIDE recognition
> Cost $28-$50
>
> 2. Find a Promise EIDE adapter and put it in (do you at least have PCI?
> because EIDE through an ISA port is ..... interesting) Cost $49-$69
>
> 3. Put in the low-end MediaGX for about $45 and be compatible to most
> linux distributions.
>
> 4. Put in a new MB and processor in Pentium Class and be compatible to
> almost all distributions including Mandrake. Cost $70-180 depending on
> the speed you want and the memory you have and want to re-use. Celeron
> 300, 333, and 400 combos are common here.
>
> 5. Drop in an upgrade processor (an old one if you have socket 5 or 7
> and a Pentium-type processor, even if it is a 75) for about $120-150 and
> gain the new BIOS and MMX compatibility that comes with it.
>
> Now if your computer is a COMPAQ or a Packard Bell, forget any
> motherboard swap solutions--the boards have a non-standard footprint.
> Not all, but all of the vintage that wouldn't recognize EIDE.
>
> And there are still many reasons various upgrades might not work.
> I would need to know some names and model numbers off the computer or off
> of its components if it is a home-built or locally-built machine.
>
> Civileme
>
> Thomas & Peter wrote:
>
> > My Motherboard does not recognise my EIDE hard drive with out using
> > EZ Bios. I am looking for a EIDE Controller card that Linux will work
> > with. I have seen lists of compatable equipment but nothing about
> > EIDE Controller Cards.
> >
> > Thomas
