Samsung F1 750GB on older computer w/ SATA-150?

[RLT65]

I am in need of additional space on my 4 yr. old PC. My mobo has two SATA-150 ports but I am using the PATA right now with a 120GB drive. I was going to buy the samsung spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB for a low price. I just want to make sure a new drive like this will work with the older SATA-150 connection. I am aware that I will not achive the full speed of the drive but I do need the disk space. Thanks for any suggestions!

[Midknyte]

Most SATAII drives can't get close to 150, much less 300. That's not really a bottleneck. Even the first WD Raptors were only SATAI.

Some SATAII drives have a compatibility jumper to set it to SATAI, but this drive requires software to do it. You might have to use a friend's computer for that.

http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=248&dType=G&mType=SW&tab=down&ppmi=1155

[RLT65]

Not sure what you mean by using a "friends computer". I guess you mean the HD must be plugged in a SATA 300 to install the software?

[Midknyte]

the HD must be plugged in a SATA 300 to install the software?

It's a possibility. The board may not see the drive without the software, but how do you get the software on without a SATAII board. Catch 22.

Like I said, other makes/models have a physical jumper. That drive just happens to be one without.

From the manual:
Note: In some rare cases SATA 1.5Gb/s hosts can not establish SATA
interface connection with SATA 3.0Gb/s devices due to interface
protocol issues.
In this case you should switch your drive to SATA 1.5Gb/s speed
with a software which we are providing via www.samsunghdd.com.

[RLT65]

Thanks for the help. I will forget this drive and get a WD.

[Midknyte]

I think you're better off with a WD anyway. I'm not a fan of Samsungs.