I'm trying to find out what is the maximum size hard drive I can install under the Award BIOS v4.51PG (BIOS limitation?), without flashing the firmware. I'm willing to use DDO software. I ordered a Western Digital 40 GB HD and hope I don't need to create a bunch of partitions. Any info would be appreciated.

Award Modular BIOS v 4.51 PG, Copyright 1984-2000, v542C/5442CS, DOS 07-31-2000,
Award Plug and Play BIOS Extension, v 1.0A (1999), ROM PCI/ISA BIOS (2A5KKJ1E).

I've got the 4.51PG and recently bought an IBM 40gig HDD only to find out that the BIOS wouldn't recognize it. Luckily the IBM can be jumpered to limit the capacity to 33.4gig which the BIOS recognizes. After having had only 4gig before, I can live with 33.4gig. Maybe I'm missing something but, if your BIOS won't recognize the 40gig how are you going to partition it? The BIOS can't see any hard drive there.

Go to your motherboard manufacturers website and look for Bios Updates.

If you board is not too old I am sure there will be a new Bios.

Generally you should not mess with the Bios unless there is a need to. My boards Bios has had at least 3 revisions so far but I am sticking with what I have as everything is fine. But if I decide to upgrade to XP, I will have to flash a new Bios.

If you need larger drive support and your board is an older version then you will have to update if a Bios is available.

the bios will recognise your drive if limited to 32 GB. You can download the ezbios for your motherboard and install it. your HDD will then be recognised at 40 GB.

Frank, how did you "jumper" your 40 GB HD to read 33.4 GB--don't you need to do that with a program like EZBios?

http//support.premiopc.com/faqs/
212efaq.htm#jumper

all in one line

you'll find award v4.51PG bios upgrades up to
2.4. Award says they have a newer upgrade for &69.95 which supports even larger than 40gig HD. Hope this is of help to you Frank....