Identical HDs different sizes?

[jf]

I have two 80GB maxtor sata HDs. One with the OS and the other used as
data storage. Windows XP shows one with 76.3GB in total size while the
other is 74.4GB in total size. Why aren't they both the same?

 

[Barry Watzman]

You are seeing the size of the logical drive (partition), not the size
of the physical drive. Take a look at them with Partition Magic (or
even FDISK).

 

[jf]

You are seeing the size of the logical drive (partition), not the size
of the physical drive. Take a look at them with Partition Magic (or
even FDISK).

PM shows them with different sizes too. Also checked it with Aida32

 

[Paul H]

did you format one as a primary partition and one as an extended partition?

 

[jf]

did you format one as a primary partition and one as an extended partition?

no both as primary partitions

 

[Eric P.]

To compare the disks you have to check their physical size as Barry
pointed out.

While it's possible to restrict the maximum usable size by sending a
disk the relevant command (or by setting a jumper sometimes) the
difference might be explained here by a slightly difference choice while
partitioning/formatting.

Maxtor's PowerMax utility could show a difference between the disks if any.