G4 SATA or IDE?

**bir** · 07-18-2007, 04:44 AM

I apologize if this has been asked before, I searched and was unable to locate the information....

Does the G4 come with SATA or IDE internal HD connection? Specifically, can we mount something like the Western Digital 250GB Scorpio:

http://www.westerndigital.com/en/pro...sp?DriveID=314

My G4 is in queue with the 100GB drive, but I would dearly love to get a larger capacity. External hard drives are always an option, but definitely not my first choice. This is ignoring warranty and support issues, I just want to know what the connection is in the G4.

And I am more than a little curious why the limit to 100GB given that even EIDE drives go to 160GB these days.

Thanks

**DarquePervert** · 07-18-2007, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by bir

I apologize if this has been asked before, I searched and was unable to locate the information....

Does the G4 come with SATA or IDE internal HD connection? Specifically, can we mount something like the Western Digital 250GB Scorpio:

I'm 99% certain that the G4 is IDE, not SATA.

And I am more than a little curious why the limit to 100GB given that even EIDE drives go to 160GB these days.

Simple. Cost savings. Buy a bunch of 100GB drives at a reduced rate (for buying in quantity). I'm sure 100GB was chosen for the best price-to-capacity ratio.

**JasonMK** · 07-18-2007, 07:45 AM

I know when I placed my order they were out of the 80gig hd I ordered, so they offered me the option of a 120gig refurb. I'm sure this isn't the norm and may not even be available, but as you can see from my oder history it is a 120 SATA, for what it's worth.

**bir** · 07-18-2007, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I'm 99% certain that the G4 is IDE, not SATA.

Simple. Cost savings. Buy a bunch of 100GB drives at a reduced rate (for buying in quantity). I'm sure 100GB was chosen for the best price-to-capacity ratio.

The retail cost on the WD Scorpio 250GB is <$200, and I would have no problem paying a $200 premium to have that drive over the 40GB. I just have a hard time swallowing that cost savings is the driving factor on an upgrade path for a 2k+ CarPC, considering doing it post order voids warranties and such.

And thanks for the info JasonMK, the thing that confused me the most was on the web the articles that talked about disassembling the G4 had pictures that looked IDE but then I found a few sites that stated SATA for upgrades...

Maybe we can get the product page or manual updated?

**DarquePervert** · 07-18-2007, 10:08 AM

Nobody said the cost savings was for YOU.

**bir** · 07-18-2007, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Nobody said the cost savings was for YOU.

I understand that

But my point was I would gladly pay a PREMIUM to get 2.5 times the storage. So make the 250GB Scorpio a really expensive upgrade, then I can at least determine if it is worth the upgrade cost. But as of right now all I can do is dream... and rant apparently... so I'll stop

and see if they can reply to an email (which they normally do crazy fast).

**JasonMK** · 07-18-2007, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by bir

And thanks for the info JasonMK, the thing that confused me the most was on the web the articles that talked about disassembling the G4 had pictures that looked IDE but then I found a few sites that stated SATA for upgrades...

You are quite welcome, but don't take my post as the definative answer [disclaimer]. That is simply what my account/order history listed. I have no reason to doubt it, but I'd hate for you to shell out an extra $200 & void your warranty on my account. But if you are reading SATA info elsewhere, then take it as another confirmation.

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-18-2007, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by bir

Maybe we can get the product page or manual updated?

Because we do not warranty the G4 if you disassemble it to replace hte HDD, there is no reason to include internal features like this in the manual or the product page.

**naqueal** · 07-18-2007, 03:03 PM

To answer the original post Some of the G4's are IDE and some are SATA. Its safe to say if you just purchased a G4 within the last week you most likely have a SATA drive installed.

But on another note please do not tamper with the G4 internals you will void warranty and be stuck with a 2k paper weight!

**JasonMK** · 07-18-2007, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by bir

This is ignoring warranty and support issues, I just want to know what the connection is in the G4.

Luckily it sounds as if the op is well aware of the warranty and support issues IF he decides to go to the dark side and modify his G4, but it also sounds as if there isn't a clear cut answer for him as to IDE or SATA. Is it that the G4 supports both, or did Infill make a manufacturing decision to transition from using one to the other? If it supports both than good news for all, those who want an SATA and not open up and void the warranty, and for those who chose to modify their cars and carputers (with all of the risks and consequences) have the ability to make the system more to their liking.

Originally Posted by naqueal

please do not tamper with the G4 internals you will void warranty and be stuck with a 2k paper weight!

I'm just pleased that I do NOT have any need to open up my G4, and even MORE glad I don't have a 2,000 pound paperwight after ignoring my manufacture, dealer, and OnStar warning not to modify the OE stereo. Now that ($20k later) would really stink!