New Computer.. Floppy Drive?

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ethraax

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 11, 2008
Messages
174
Hello. I'm going to build a new computer, ordering parts in about a week and a half. I'm going to use a Q6600 (overclocked past 3.0GHz w/ a great air cooler), IP35-Pro, 8800GTS 512mb... well you get the idea.

The point is -- should I get a floppy drive? It will run me about $10. The only reason I can think about using it is to update the BIOS. My older computer won't do it without a floppy. I've read stuff about being able to flash it by running an executable that shuts down your computer and does it, but I've also heard stuff about that way not being nearly as failsafe as a floppy disk.

The basic question: Is it worth $10 to buy a floppy drive for a new computer, or should I finally be able to leave this technology far behind?
 
Most motherboards out today have Windows-based software that allows you to upgrade/backup the BIOS without the need for a floppy drive. There are also ways of making a USB flash drive function as a bootable device, which you could then use for the same purposes as a floppy.

So no, there is no need to buy a floppy drive with your new system. (If you really want peace of mind, see if you can find a used one in the For Sale forum here.)
 
for $10 if it doesnt break the bank... pick one up

since they are ugly leave it in the box and only connect when needed :)
 
I didn't think of doing the USB boot thing. I've never done it before. I guess I could just do that though.
 
ethraax said:
Is it worth $10 to buy a floppy drive for a new computer, or should I finally be able to leave this technology far behind?
Click to expand...

Floppy drive? what´s that? :confused:

oh yes, i think i recall the stories my grandpa used to tell me. If i recall correctly it was some sort of primitive data storage, kinda like carving in stone... yep, sounds about right

lol, :D
seriously now, i always have a floppy, u never know when u are gonna need one. U should get one, even if u don´t actually install it :)
 
The only time you "need" a floppy drive is when you hit F6 to install drivers.
All other times can be worked around.

Luck ................ :D
 
Only need it if your mobo does not support flash drives for BIOS updates. If you are really concerned, buy the drive but leave it in the box.
 
Tigerbiten said:
The only time you "need" a floppy drive is when you hit F6 to install drivers.
All other times can be worked around.
Click to expand...
Even that can be avoided by slipstreaming the drivers into your installation disc. The IP35 Pro does support booting from USB flash drives.
 
Like previously mentioned, it's nice to have one in case you get an old box or something, but for new builds (with modern parts), say no to floppies!
 
ethraax said:
...The only reason I can think about using it is to update the BIOS. My older computer won't do it without a floppy. ...
Click to expand...

It sounds like you already have a Floppy drive. Keep it in a drawer and use when needed. No need to buy a new one.

For slipstreaming, use nLite.
 
I always keep a floppy drive handy even if I don't have one installed in the system. I only have one external 3.5" bay in the case I'm using on my main system and it's occupied by a flash card reader so I don't have a place to put a floppy drive at the moment. Well, technically I do since I have a combo 5.25"/3.5" floppy drive. I've used it recently since I needed to use it for storage drivers for a Windows install. Also, since I don't run Windows on hardly any of my boxen, a Windows BIOS update utility is useless to me.

I need to buy a couple spare floppy drives. I have a bad habit of not closely watching when I hook up power to the floppy drive and get the connector one pin off which usually results in a smoked drive. Even if the drive might be good, I don't take a chance with hooking it up again unless I toss it in a pile and check it out later with a crap system so I don't care if blows up any hardware then.

 
I have a bunch of computers and one USB floppy drive. A one time cost for a portable device.
 
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