As most probably know it is possible to use regular IDE hard disk drives with libhdd although they will not work with retail games or PS2Linux or anything else Sony sends out on the marked.
The only requirement is that they have the right type of IDE connector which fits on the official SMAP. Like the image below shows.
I've only found one series of hard disk drives which have this type of connector and that is
Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 8 Series
I encourage others to post what models of drives they know/own which have this type of IDE connector, so we create compatibility list.
Even my maxtor from 7 years ago will fit, but
the current drain is probably too much.
I have had no luck with seagate's. Others may
fit if they use the same spacing's on the drive's
connector.
One interesting thing, Sony is now using brand
new fluid bearing maxtor's that are 1/2 the height
of the original 40GB drive distributed with the
kit 2 years ago. They are very QUIET. My old
Linux kit drive is whiny as hell. I intend to replace
it with a new one.
I just wanted to say that...
You can make almost any hdd "fit" on the adaptor, because you can adjust the gap size where the jumpers are supposed to be.
Example: A western digital drive that wouldnt fit. After we discovered the jumper gap is adjustable, it fits.
I've been able to make any drive fit I wanted. As for "adjust[ing] the gap size where the jumpers are supposed to be." you might have to adjust them with a dremel tool.
Just like the old Midas ads - we'll MAKE it fit! :D
That's what I did with a WD drive. I recently got a Maxtor the same size and swapped it for the WD to take some strain off the connector. Maxtors of any variety are a far better fit, but you can make darn near any drive work.
