Sniper said:
I have what I would call a "1st gen" SATA Mobo, Soltek Socket A.
Q is: Will a SATA 3.0 HD be backwards-compatible w/ what I would call SATA
v1? I know if it does work I would not get the extra advantage that v3
provides.
I just need to know if I need a Serial ATA150 or if SATA 3's will work.
Just looking for additional storage, not back-up RAID config.
=),
Jason S.
NY
Drives are intended to be backward compatible. Occasionally,
they fail at the task, but there is an answer.
The hard drive should have a jumper position to "force" the interface
to operate at 1.5Gbit/sec, if necessary. So a 3.0Gbit/sec drive
can be made to function at 1.5Gbit/sec, if there are problems.
The only issue, might be finding a jumper plug - some drives
are so cheap now, they don't even come with enough jumpers for
all useful jumper configs.
Check the manufacturer's site, for latest jumper information. The
info on the label stuck to the drive, may be the most accurate info,
but it may not be complete info. For that, sometimes you have to
look around their web site.
http://www.seagate.com/images/support/en/us/cuda_sata_block.gif ("limit data transfer")
http://www.seagate.com/images/support/en/us/mxo_sata_jumpers.gif ("force 150")
Jumpers come in different sizes, so if you are shopping for them, check
the size you need first. Possible sizes might be 0.1" center to center
or 2mm center to center, for example. The size of the square pin they
fit over, also changes in that case. If would be nice if someone sold
an assortment, so you could be prepared for anything. And the company
selling one jumper for $2.29 ? Unbelievable. They're worth a couple cents
each, not in the dollars range.
http://www.shopping.com/xGS-Hard_Drive_Jumpers~NS-1~linkin_id-8001671
This outfit claims they have a bag of "assorted" jumpers, but without
showing any details. A price of $2.00 for 50 plugs is quite reasonable
(there is always the shipping of course).
http://www.strangebrewpc.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=566
Paul
