IBM

IBM DBCA-203240 – 3.2GB | ATA-33 IDE | 4200RPM | 2.5" | TravelStar Legacy HDD

$115.00

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

The DBCA-203240 is a 3.2GB ATA-33 IDE hard drive featuring 4200RPM, 420KB cache, and 13ms average seek time in a 2.5" form factor. Built for 1990s mobile computing systems, it is ideal for notebook computers, legacy workstations, and vintage computing restoration projects. Compatible with PC systems supporting ATA-33/DMA Ultra IDE interfaces. Engineered with 5.7 Gbits/sq. inch areal density and Enhanced Adaptive Battery Life Extender 3.0 power management for continuous mobile operation.

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

Specifications
  • Manufacturer: IBM
  • Model: DBCA-203240
  • Capacity: 3.2GB
  • Interface: ATA-33 IDE
  • Spindle Speed: 4200RPM
  • Cache: 420KB
  • Form Factor: 2.5"
  • Seek Time: 13ms average
  • Latency: 7.1ms
  • MTBF: Not specified
  • Drive Type: Internal HDD
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Shipping: Free domestic US shipping
  • Condition: Brand New, Factory Sealed
Product Features
  • ATA-33 IDE interface with 33.3MB/s external transfer rate
  • 420KB data buffer for improved performance
  • 4200RPM spindle speed optimized for mobile use
  • 2.5-inch form factor for notebook compatibility
  • Enhanced Adaptive Battery Life Extender 3.0 power management
  • Drive Fitness Test (DFT) built-in diagnostics
  • 13ms average seek time with 2.5ms track-to-track
  • 9.5mm height profile for ultra-portable systems
  • 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 notebook computers, mobile workstations, and legacy PC systems supporting ATA-33/Ultra DMA IDE interfaces. Not compatible with SATA systems or modern laptops requiring SATA connectivity.

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.

3.2GB ATA-33 IDE 4200RPM 420KB Cache Factory Sealed

Why the DBCA-203240 is the right TravelStar Legacy HDD

The IBM TravelStar 6GN series represents peak 1990s mobile storage engineering with industry-leading areal density technology. This 3.2GB model delivers reliable performance for vintage notebook restoration and legacy system maintenance. Built with Enhanced Adaptive Battery Life Extender power management, it maximizes mobile computing battery life while providing the storage capacity demanded by period-appropriate applications.

ATA-33 IDE Interface Compatibility

Features standard ATA-33 IDE interface with 33.3MB/s external data transfer rate. Ensures seamless compatibility with 1990s notebook computers and legacy mobile workstations.

Mobile-Optimized 4200RPM Performance

4200RPM spindle speed balanced for mobile computing with reduced power consumption and heat generation. Delivers 13ms average seek time performance suitable for period-appropriate applications.

420KB Cache Buffer Technology

Integrated 420KB data buffer improves system responsiveness and file access performance. Advanced for its era, providing smooth operation in memory-constrained vintage systems.

Enhanced Power Management

Built-in Enhanced Adaptive Battery Life Extender 3.0 technology optimizes power consumption. Critical for maximizing battery life in vintage notebook computers and mobile workstations.

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.