Can I install a 4TB hdd (no os drive) onto in 7 x64 with BIOS (not UIEF)?

[pete_agreatguy]

Can I install a 4TB hdd (non os drive) onto Win7 x64 with BIOS (not UIEF)?

Hi all,

I am wanting to upgrade my 2TB hard drive to a 4TB but would like some clarification on whether or not this is feasible with my current setup (see signature for specs). I'll be upgrading to Windows 7 x64 bit after Christmas sometime so ignore the fact that I have XP Pro atm.

I'm looking at getting the seagate 4TB barracuda hard drive (SATA) more than likely.

I've read the following information:

MS - Overall requirements for non bootable volume

I'm a little confused about whether or not I would be able to format the drive as a GPT partition or not? Dynamic drive option within the disk management options I think if I remember correctly.

I would not be using this drive as a bootable device ever. Only storage for backups.

Thanks for clarification / help in advanced on this

ps: Hope you all had a good Christmas.

 

[rpstewart]

Don't do it until you've upgraded to Win7 but after that you'll be fine to run a 4Tb volume as GPT.

 

[pete_agreatguy]

Even though my motherboard is bios and not uief?

 

[demon8991]

I believe you can NOT use a 4TB drive as a bootable one unless you have a UEFI bios I am afraid.

Have you not considered getting an SSD drive as your boot drive, a much better option in my opinion, then just grab yourself a larger drive for back up.

SSD drives are so so so much faster than mechanical drives and really are becoming the standard now for OS and Applications.

Either of the below would give you a huge performance boost.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Samsung 250GB SSD 840 EVO SATA 6Gb/s Basic - (MZ-7TE250BW) £137.99
1 x Samsung 120GB SSD 840 EVO SATA 6Gb/s Basic - (MZ-7TE120BW) £76.99
Total : £224.58 (includes shipping : £8.00).

 

[pete_agreatguy]

Hi demon,

You may want to re-read my original post. This drive I'm wanting is not for a bootable drive. I have no intentions on using it for an OS. I cannot afford SSD at the moment. Awaiting for the prices to lower before I upgrade my OS drive (one of my 500gb wd).

Thank you though for your input so far

 

[rpstewart]

Even though my motherboard is bios and not uief?

Yes, if its just for storage then you'll be fine.

 

[ANDARIAL]

According to Seagate, the new drive is designed for both desktop computers and external storage solutions, such as NAS servers or external hard drives. Generally, hard drives of 2TB or larger require a modern operating system (Windows 7 or later) and UEFI BIOS to work, but the Desktop HDD comes with DiskWizard software that allows it to work with Windows XP. To use it as a boot drive, however, UEFI BIOS is needed.


Make sure you have XP SP3 installed, there is no other reason I can think of for them not working.

 

[pete_agreatguy]

Thanks all