Quantum

Quantum Fireball TM1700AT – 1.7GB | ATA-2 IDE | 4500RPM | 3.5" | Legacy HDD

$199.95

Brand New, Factory Sealed | In Stock | Bulk Orders Available

The TM17A012 is a 1.7GB ATA-2 IDE hard drive featuring 4500RPM, 128KB cache, and 10.5ms seek time in a 3.5" form factor. Built for 1997-era desktop systems, it is ideal for legacy computing, vintage system restoration, and retro gaming builds. Compatible with standard 40-pin IDE controllers and supports Master/Slave configuration. Engineered with PRML recording technology and featuring 400,000 hour MTBF for reliable continuous operation in period-appropriate systems.

All products from Anand International ship brand new and factory sealed. Volume and B2B pricing available for qualified buyers.

Specifications
  • Manufacturer: Quantum
  • Model: TM17A012
  • Capacity: 1.7GB
  • Interface: ATA-2 IDE
  • Spindle Speed: 4500RPM
  • Cache: 128KB
  • Form Factor: 3.5"
  • Seek Time: 10.5ms
  • Latency: 6.7ms
  • MTBF: 400,000 hours
  • Drive Type: Internal Legacy HDD
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Shipping: Free domestic US shipping
  • Condition: Brand New, Factory Sealed
Product Features
  • ATA-2 IDE interface with 16.67MB/s external transfer rate
  • 128KB dynamic cache for improved performance
  • PRML 16/17 recording method for data integrity
  • Master/Slave and Cable Select jumper configuration
  • 40-pin IDE connector with standard power connections
  • 400,000 hour MTBF rating for reliability
  • Low power consumption: 3.7W idle, 6.4W seek
  • Operating temperature range: 5°C to 55°C
  • Direct replacement for legacy systems requiring IDE/ATA connectivity
  • 90-day Anand International warranty on all legacy stock
  • Free domestic US shipping included
  • Volume and B2B pricing available for qualified buyers
Compatibility

Compatible with systems supporting 40-pin IDE interfaces, Master/Slave configurations, and ATA-2 standards. Not compatible with SATA systems or modern motherboards without IDE support.

Shipping & Returns
  • Free Shipping: We currently offer free Economy Shipping within the continental U.S. with no minimum order required. Expedited shipping is available at standard carrier rates.
  • Same-Day Shipping: Order placed before 2PM PST will ship the same day. Orders received after this time will ship the following business day.
  • Hassle-Free Returns: If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return it within 10 days for a hassle-free refund or exchange.

1.7GB ATA-2 IDE 4500RPM 128KB Cache Factory Sealed

Why the TM17A012 is the right Legacy IDE HDD

The Fireball TM series was Quantum's 1997 low-end positioning drive with 4500RPM spindle speed and new design architecture. Despite modest RPM, the high areal density and excellent seek performance made them almost as quick as competing 5400RPM drives. This generation marked Quantum's transition from the original high-performance Fireball series to broader market coverage. The TM drives were very high-tech for their day, offering professional-grade reliability in desktop systems.

ATA-2 IDE Interface Performance

Features 16.67MB/s external transfer rate with PIO4 support for optimal period-appropriate system performance. Dynamic 128KB cache provides efficient data buffering for improved responsiveness.

Professional PRML Recording

Utilizes advanced PRML 16/17 recording technology with 224-bit Reed Solomon ECC for exceptional data integrity. Engineered for 400,000 hour MTBF operation in demanding legacy environments.

Master/Slave Configuration

Supports both traditional jumper-based Master/Slave setup and Cable Select configuration. Ships as Master configuration with flexible reconfiguration for dual-drive systems.

Vintage System Optimization

Despite 4500RPM speed, high areal density and excellent seek performance rival many 5400RPM competitors. Low power profile with 3.7W idle consumption ideal for period system requirements.

New Old Stock with 90-Day Warranty

Available as brand new, factory sealed old stock units from Anand International with a 90-day warranty. Ideal for legacy system maintenance, vintage computing restoration, and hard-to-find replacement needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for IDE, including information on usage, configuration, and compatibility.

1. What is an IDE hard drive?

An IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) hard drive is a legacy type of storage device that connects to a computer using a 40-pin ribbon cable and Molex power connector. It was widely used before SATA drives became standard.

2. Can IDE hard drives be used in modern computers?

Most modern PCs do not have IDE ports. However, you can still use an IDE hard drive with a compatible IDE controller card or an IDE-to-SATA/USB adapter.

3. What devices are IDE hard drives compatible with?

IDE hard drives are commonly used in older desktops, servers, DVR systems, legacy industrial equipment, and other electronics that require ATA/100 or ATA/133 interfaces.

4. Are IDE and PATA the same thing?

Yes. IDE is also known as PATA (Parallel ATA). Both terms refer to the same interface standard, which uses wide ribbon cables to connect drives.

5. How do I know if my system supports an IDE hard drive?

Check if your motherboard has a 40-pin IDE connector. If not, you can use an adapter or external enclosure that converts IDE to SATA or USB.

6. What is the maximum capacity of an IDE hard drive?

Most IDE hard drives range from a few hundred megabytes to 500GB, though practical support depends on your system’s BIOS limitations.

7. Can IDE hard drives be used for external storage?

Yes. By using an IDE-to-USB adapter or external IDE enclosure, you can repurpose an IDE hard drive as an external storage device.