G4 Fw800

[stuartm]

Hi
I have a 1GHz G4 FW800 and it has a 120gb HD.
I would like to add a 2nd HD to beef up my memory for music and other media files.
Can I just get another, compatible, 120gb drive giving a total 240GB, or is there a limit to the total HD size that this device will take without affecting speed/performance? My power supply is 400w as Ive been told that this can effect the max HD you put in.

Thanks

 

[velocityg4]

Yes you can just get another hard drive and throw it in, as long as it uses IDE (ie Ultra ATA-100, ATA-133) since your Powermac is a Mirror Drive Door one you do not have the 128GB limit that pre-2002 Quicksilvers had. Your power supply should not be a problem as hard drives really do not draw a significant amount of energy.

I would suggest that when you install the new hard drive use it as your primary drive. Install OS X on it, your programs and your files. Then use your 120GB for your Swap File and data backup. The reason I suggest this is a modern hard drive will be much faster than your current drive allowing for quicker boot times and program load times. I only suggest using the new hard drive for your data files as well for simplicity. If you want even better performance create a partition on the new HD for OS X and applications then a second partition for backing up your data files. Then use your 120GB for your swap file and for accessing your data.

It would be tough to find a 120GB at a reasonable price, just get a 160GB instead. This 160GB runs about $50, for $60 you can get this 250GB HD or for $85 you can get this 320GB HD.

 

[stuartm]

Yes you can just get another hard drive and throw it in, as long as it uses IDE (ie Ultra ATA-100, ATA-133) since your Powermac is a Mirror Drive Door one you do not have the 128GB limit that pre-2002 Quicksilvers had. Your power supply should not be a problem as hard drives really do not draw a significant amount of energy.

I would suggest that when you install the new hard drive use it as your primary drive. Install OS X on it, your programs and your files. Then use your 120GB for your Swap File and data backup. The reason I suggest this is a modern hard drive will be much faster than your current drive allowing for quicker boot times and program load times. I only suggest using the new hard drive for your data files as well for simplicity. If you want even better performance create a partition on the new HD for OS X and applications then a second partition for backing up your data files. Then use your 120GB for your swap file and for accessing your data.

It would be tough to find a 120GB at a reasonable price, just get a 160GB instead. This 160GB runs about $50, for $60 you can get this 250GB HD or for $85 you can get this 320GB HD.

Many thanks, this is very helpfull