7200 RPM Disk compatibility

[VivaTheBeaver]

Hi, I have a Gateway 2000 PC running Win 98 with a single hard disk. The PC was purchased in April 1999. I would like to get a bigger hard disk (40gb) and would like to know if I can install one of the faster 7200 RPM models. Can someone please tell me how I can find out if my system can accept one.

I have spoken to someone at Gateway, but because their system didn't recognise my serial number they couldn't help me.

Thanks in advance..


VTB

[What_does_this_button_do?]

I can't see a problem with that........I have never known a fast hard drive cause a problem.

[amanoffewwords]

As Buttons said the speed is not an issue - however, you need to make sure what you buy is compatible with the computer hardware you have - some of the standards include ATA, ATA, Ultra-ATA, SCSI etc. and not all motherboards support them.

Tom's hardware site is a good place to start from.

[Mac the Knife]

Shouldn't be a problem, but most of the 7200 rpm (and 10.000 and 15,000 rpm!) drives run naturally very hot (because of air friction). The drive itself doesn't mind too much, but you may need to install an extra case fan to keep the rest of the stuff cool. Most modern cases have provision for an extra case fan and many modern mobos have a connector for an extra fan.

[R.Don]

I've found this site to be really good for all sorts of problems, and it's absolutely FREE
http://forums.techguy.org/help/