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First Name: Bob

Operating System (if applicable): Windows XP

Question: I am trying to upgrade a laptop's computer hard drive and am confused about "Interface". I want to make sure I get an appropriate replacement drive, but I am having trouble differentiating between IDE/EIDE versus DMA/ATA-100.

The specs of the drive that is currently in the computer lists DMA/ATA-100 on some websites and IDE/EIDE on others. Can you help clear up this discrepancy for me. Thanks.

Our Answer: Hi Bob. IDE goes from the hard drive, to the CPU, then to the memory. DMA drives go from the hard drive, directly to the memory. This means DMA drives are faster then IDE drives.

The type of hard drive you need for that laptop though should be in the manual or on the drive itself.

I hope I have been of help to you, and if you have any more questions just let me know.

Poster Reply: I hope I am not taking advantage of your knowledge, but I would like to clarify my confusion. I have a Gateway laptop with a Toshiba 60 GB hard drive (Model# MK6021GAS).

I need to replace this drive. Gateway support describes this drive as a 60GB IDE drive, with an Interface: ATA 2/3/4/5. CNET describes this same exact drive as Interface: ATA-100.

I wanted to replace this drive with Toshiba Model# MK6034GAX from Tiger Direct but I am having trouble deciphering the Interface and determining how critical a factor it is in assessing compatibility. Thank you again for you time.

Our Reply: I went on Tiger Direct and looked at the drive, and it should work fine on your laptop. I hope this helps.

Poster Reply: Thanks - I appreciate your help.



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