Biggest Laptop PATA/IDE Drive?

[Elfen]

Not wanting to switch to a SATA with a PATA Converter due to space limitations on my PowerBook G4, what is the biggest PATA Drive I can get for it? My Old PowerBook G4's 60GB Hd has been maxed out and I'm looking for something that is over 120GB.

 

[galgot]

I have a PATA 160 Gb. It's a Samsung HM160HC, 5400rpm.

 

[omidimo]

I recall a 320gb Fujitsu 5400rpm drive that came in PATA.

 

[johnklos]

You can get an mSATA to PATA adapter like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/151519954907

and get an mSATA SSD of 500 gigs for about $200:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147411

 

[Elfen]

I wish I had $200... But I'll see what I can do.

Galdot, Omidimo - nice, but I'm looking for a 7200 RPM PATA. The 60GB I put into this unit is a 7200RPM and it is quick to boot and launch apps as far as G4s go. Lets just say I'm spoiled. HA HA! But thanks! Let see if they have 7200RPM Versions of those drives.

 

[gsteemso]

I've been a bit out of touch lately—are laptop-sized CF or SD adapters no longer a feasible approach? I could have sworn they were cheaper than $200, but as I alluded to, it has been at least a year since I investigated the topic in depth.

 

[trag]

There were 2.5" PATA drives as large as 500GB, but the only brand I saw that large was Western Digital and they were not available for very long.   The 320 GB PATA drives were much more common, but still kind of rare and expensive.

I haven't priced such drives lately, so I don't know if they are still pricey because of their rarity.  The PATA to MSATA adapter may be your best option.  You don't have to spend $200 on a 480 GB MSATA.   You could get a 120GB or 240GB for less.

Here's a 320GB PATA for about $85:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Western-Digital-WD3200BEKX-WD-BLACK-320Gb-7200RPM-SATA-2-5-Hard-Drive-New-/121777327816

Ooops, that's a SATA drive, not PATA.  It comes up in the PATA listings, but the part number is a SATA drive.   So, no 320GB 2.5" PATA drives on Ebay at the moment.

 

[Elfen]

I've been a bit out of touch lately—are laptop-sized CF or SD adapters no longer a feasible approach? I could have sworn they were cheaper than $200, but as I alluded to, it has been at least a year since I investigated the topic in depth.

I have several G3/G4 iBooks with the CF/IDE-ATA on them on OSX and they work fine with it! But CFs are pricey when you get past 64GB and there is a lot of false advertisement/counterfeits out there (seen a 512GB SanDisk  CF and it turned out to be a fake that is a 128GB CF. DAMN!)

@Trag - I know you're trying, thanks!

 

[butterburger]

Western Digital and they were not available for very long.   The 320

Best Buy sold WD3200BEVE for $50 (USD) back in the day. That was the new (not refurbished), everyday, shelf price. Then Bangkok flooded, and they were going for over $200 (in used condition!) on fleaBay.

 

[trag]

Best Buy sold WD3200BEVE for $50 (USD) back in the day.

That's the drive. There's one on Amazon right now for just under $80 after shipping. Search on that part number. I would still be concerned that the seller is confused and might actually have a SATA drive.

 

[butterburger]

A very reputable ThinkPadder is selling one now for $30 in person. He might be willing to ship it, as a little HDD is easy to pack in a Small Flat Rate Box.

 

[waynestewart]

I believe I have a 500gb.  I'll take a look when I get home.

 

[waynestewart]

I was wrong about that one. I should put away any acquisitions like that as soon as I get them so I'll check and write down sizes