VOGONS

Hardcard or XT-IDE/CF?

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First post, by snorg

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Given the option of using either a Hardcard or XT-IDE type device in a vintage system, which do you go for? I have a 2GB CF card for the XT-IDE and the hardcard is probably not more than 20-30MB. System is a Tandy 1000. Just for capacity reasons I'm leaning away from the hardcard which may not even work at this point (I have yet to test).

Reply 1 of 3, by Zup

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If you wish to have a 100% original system, use the hardcard.

If you need something that works, use the XT-IDE. Remember that older MS-DOS (before 4.xx, or Compaq 3.31a) only supports up to 32 mb / partition, so your flash card size won't matter... you'll be wasting space anyway.

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Reply 2 of 3, by luckybob

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xt-ide

1. file transfer convenience
2. lower power - easier on old power supplies
3. buying a working hard card will cost much more than an xtide unless you get lucky
4. silent (subjective)
5. reliable

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Reply 3 of 3, by Jo22

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I agree with the other posters.
Also, if your system has an aged or week power supply, use XT-IDE.
While a hardcard/filecard is cooler for sure, it causes a much higher power surge also.

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