Hardcard is an all-in-one solution for upgrading a personal computer’s storage capacity. It consists of a hard disk drive, a hard disk controller, and a host adapter on an expansion card. With the hardcard, you won’t need an empty drive bay in your computer. It supplies its own host adapter that can be easily installed in an expansion slot.
This technology was developed by Plus Development in the mid-1980s and quickly became popular among computer users. It’s important to mention that “hardcard” became a generic term for any hard disk on a card.
Nowadays, hardcards aren’t very common because most motherboards come with built-in hard disk controllers, making it easier to upgrade a computer’s storage capacity by simply attaching a hard disk drive to one of the available SATA ports. However, if you own an old computer that isn’t equipped with a built-in hard disk controller, hardcards may be a viable option for upgrading its storage capacity.
At the end of the day, hardcards are a piece of computer history that showcase how much the technology has evolved over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Plus Development?
Plus Development was a subsidiary of Quantum Corporation that developed the first ISA hard card. It was later acquired by Seagate Technology, another hard disk manufacturer.
Are hardcards still available?
Although hardcards aren’t very common nowadays, you can still find them online in some computer stores or marketplaces.
Can I use a hardcard to upgrade my computer’s storage capacity?
If your computer doesn’t come equipped with a built-in hard disk controller, you might be able to use a hardcard to upgrade its storage capacity. However, it’s important to check whether your motherboard has an available expansion slot that’s compatible with the hardcard you’re considering to buy.
Conclusion
Hardcard was a revolutionary technology that allowed computer users to upgrade their storage capacity without needing to sacrifice an empty drive bay. Although it isn’t very common nowadays, it showcases how much technology has evolved over time.
