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From: burton@parcvax.Xerox.COM (Philip M. Burton)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: At hard disks on PC
Message-ID: <613@parcvax.Xerox.COM>
Date: Sun, 8-Nov-87 00:16:41 EST
Article-I.D.: parcvax.613
Posted: Sun Nov  8 00:16:41 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 15-Nov-87 03:24:39 EST
References: <18360@yale-celray.yale.UUCP>
Reply-To: burton@parcvax.xerox.com.UUCP (Philip M. Burton)
Organization: Xerox PARC
Lines: 23

>
>So, the question is, can I buy an AT hard disk and use it in my clone?
>If so, I assume that I'd need to buy a new controller too, yes?
>


Both XT and AT controllers use the ST506 phyiscal interface, with the same
cabling,power connectors, etc.  In general, "AT" drives give better performance
than "XT" drives because of better access times.  (However, some unscrupulous
dealers put XT-type drives in low-cost AT clones, and the customer doesn't
get the full performance benefit of an AT.)

Since AT-class drives are generally 20 MB and up, you'll probably need a
new controller.  Check the with the controller manufacturer for compatibility
wity your Columbia.

You may find that a hardcard is more compatible, even if more expensive.



-- 
Philip Burton       burton.osbunorth@parcvax.COM  
Xerox Corp.         .... !hplabs!parcvax!burton 
408 737 4635    ... the usual disclaimers apply ...