[ma99uk]

Hi !

I have two computers I am considering upgrading to add extra hard disk space and RAM.
Could you please advise on following. I will buy used components for upgrade.

Both computers are the same.

Type : Compaq Deskpro, Intel Pentium IIIE at 733 MHz. ( ENL/P733)

1. What is maximum HD size ( single HD, or 2 HD) I can use on these computers. I currently use 40GB on each computer , partitioned into two drives, use FAT32. Type ATA/IDE.

2. What is maximum SDRAM I can install on these motherboards. They have 3 slots. At present I have 512MB on each. ( SDRAM PC133)

Many thanks.

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In order to use a hard drive larger than 137GB, you'll need 48-bit support in both the BIOS and operating system. Formatting an ATA interface drive past the 137GB barrier on a system that does not meet all requirements will result in data loss.

More info: Windows 137GB Capacity Barrier
http://www.seagate.c...sc/tp/137gb.pdf

--

Compaq.com > Technical Reference Guide For Compaq Deskpro and Evo Personal Computers (.pdf)
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/supportinformation/techpubs/technical_reference_guides/12yj-0502c-wwen_rev5_us.pdf

2.4.4 SYSTEM MEMORY

These systems support and come configured with PC133 SDRAM and provide three DIMM sockets with at least one socket populated with a single- or double-sided memory module. Up to 512 megabytes of memory may be installed using one, two, or three DIMMs.

NOTE: There are restrictions on PC133 operation. These restrictions are described in Chapter 3 “Processor/Memory Subsystem.”

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Minitower Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Slim Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Small Form Factor Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

[SpywareDr]

In order to use a hard drive larger than 137GB, you'll need 48-bit support in both the BIOS and operating system. Formatting an ATA interface drive past the 137GB barrier on a system that does not meet all requirements will result in data loss.

More info: Windows 137GB Capacity Barrier
http://www.seagate.c...sc/tp/137gb.pdf

--

Compaq.com > Technical Reference Guide For Compaq Deskpro and Evo Personal Computers (.pdf)
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/supportinformation/techpubs/technical_reference_guides/12yj-0502c-wwen_rev5_us.pdf

2.4.4 SYSTEM MEMORY

These systems support and come configured with PC133 SDRAM and provide three DIMM sockets with at least one socket populated with a single- or double-sided memory module. Up to 512 megabytes of memory may be installed using one, two, or three DIMMs.

NOTE: There are restrictions on PC133 operation. These restrictions are described in Chapter 3 “Processor/Memory Subsystem.”

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Minitower Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Slim Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Small Form Factor Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

[ma99uk]

In order to use a hard drive larger than 137GB, you'll need 48-bit support in both the BIOS and operating system. Formatting an ATA interface drive past the 137GB barrier on a system that does not meet all requirements will result in data loss.

More info: Windows 137GB Capacity Barrier
http://www.seagate.c...sc/tp/137gb.pdf

--

Compaq.com > Technical Reference Guide For Compaq Deskpro and Evo Personal Computers (.pdf)
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/supportinformation/techpubs/technical_reference_guides/12yj-0502c-wwen_rev5_us.pdf

2.4.4 SYSTEM MEMORY

These systems support and come configured with PC133 SDRAM and provide three DIMM sockets with at least one socket populated with a single- or double-sided memory module. Up to 512 megabytes of memory may be installed using one, two, or three DIMMs.

NOTE: There are restrictions on PC133 operation. These restrictions are described in Chapter 3 “Processor/Memory Subsystem.”

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Minitower Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Slim Desktop Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Crucial.com > Compaq Deskpro EN Small Form Factor Pentium III 733MHz Desktop/PC
http://www.crucial.c...tium III 733MHz

Maximum Memory: 512MB

Thanks .

I understand I cannot exceed 512MB for total RAM.

Still not clear about hard drives . Can I install multiple Hard drives as long as each one is less than 137 GB? What is maximum number of drives that can be installed ? Technical manual indicated up to 4. Does this mean I could have 4* 137 GB = 548 GB hard disk capacity installed, theoratically speaking ??

Also, does the Deskpro support cable select jumper settings if two drives use the same ATA cable?

Many thanks again.

Edited by ma99uk, 05 August 2010 - 10:21 PM.

[SpywareDr]

How many hard drives depends on: 1) the number of available IDE connectors on the motherboard, and 2) the number of available drive bays.

You can usually connect two IDE drives to one IDE connector on the motherboard. (You probably already have one hard drive and one CD/(DVD) drive occupying one IDE connector). If you run out of IDE connectors on the motherboard, you can pick up a IDE/SATA controller for ~$15 (USD): http://www.newegg.co...ICE&PageSize=20

As far as the IDE drive jumper settings go, you can usually use either CS (Cable Select) on both drives, or, M (Master) or (M+S) Master+Slave on the first drive and S (Slave) on the second drive. If you decide to use Master/Slave settings, connect the drive jumpered as Master to the end connector on the ribbon cable, and the drive jumpered as Slave to the center connector.

Note that I don't know for sure if your motherboard's BIOS has the 137GB limit. As old as it is though, it is likely.