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User Manual
GPT hard Disk Drives
For HP Desktops
April 2011
Table of Contents:
Abstract .............................................................................................................. 1
Why GPT? ........................................................................................................... 1
GPT vs MBR ........................................................................................................ 2
Bootable vs Data Drives and UEFI BIOS ................................................................ 4
OS Support ......................................................................................................... 6
Storage Driver Support ........................................................................................ 6
Imaging Tool Support for GPT .............................................................................. 7
Drive Encryption .................................................................................................. 7
Summary ............................................................................................................ 8
For more information .......................................................................................... 8
Abstract
In order to be used in a computer system, a hard disk drive (HDD) must first be
partitioned. Partitioning is done at the drive level and for many decades used the
Master Boot Record (MBR) partition method. A new method called GUID Partition
Table (GPT)) is now used for large-capacity drives. GPT allows for volume sizes
much greater than 2.19TB, and therefore must be used on drives larger than the
MBR limit of 2.19TB. This white paper describes the rationale for GPT and the types
of OS, BIOS, driver, and SW tool support needed to successfully implement GPT
drives in desktop systems.
Why GPT?
HDD areal density (bits/sq in) and tracks per inch (TPI) continue to steadily
increase. For 2010, many typical desktop 3.5" hard drives have areal densities
and TPI that permit capacities up to 500GB per platter. In 2011, it is expected that
improvements in areal density and TPI will allow drive manufacturers to begin
shipping drives that have capacities of1TB/platter. At this density, drives of 2TB
and 3TB capacities become more easily producible and hence cheaper and more
widely available.
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Page 1: Table Of Contents
GPT hard Disk Drives For HP Desktops April 2011 Table of Contents: Abstract ......................1 Why GPT? ......................1 GPT vs MBR ......................2 Bootable vs Data Drives and UEFI BIOS ..............4 OS Support ......................6 Storage Driver Support ..................6 Imaging Tool Support for GPT ................ -
Page 2: Gpt Vs Mbr
For decades, MBR partitioning was sufficient to support the amount of hard drive addressing spaces known as Logical Block Addresses (LBAs) that existed on hard drives. MBR partitioning supported 32-bit addressing and, along with 48-bit LBA extensions, was able to support drives up to a limit of 2.19TB using standard 512- byte sectors (or 512-byte sector emulation). - Page 3 Protects MBR-based disk utilities LBA 0 Protective MBR from overwriting LBA 1 GPT drives Primary GPT Header LBA 2 Entries 1 thru 4 Defines usable LBA 3 Entries 5 – 128 blocks on the disk List of drive partition entries (up to 128) LBA 34 Partition 1...
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Page 4: Bootable Vs Data Drives And Uefi Bios
Basic MBR Disk Layout Basic GPT Disk Layout Master Boot Code Master Boot Code Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry Partition Table Entry 0x55 AA 0x55 AA Primary Partition (C:) Primary GUID Partition... - Page 5 The BIOS Characteristic Extension Byte #2 is described in Table 1. Bit 3 of Byte 2 specifies UEFI specification support. Table 1. BIOS Characteristics Extension Byte 2 Bit Position Description When set, BIOS boot specification is supported When set, function key-initiated Network Service boot is supported. When function key-initiated Network Service boot is not supported, a network option ROM may choose to offer this functionality on its own, thus offering this capability to legacy systems.
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Page 6: Os Support
Figure 4. Startup Menu OS Support 32-bit Microsoft Windows™ will not provide boot support for GPT. For HP desktops, bootable GPT drives and data storage drives will be initially supported under the Microsoft Windows 7™ SP1 64-bit OS. Bootable GPT drives can also be supported under the Microsoft Vista™... -
Page 7: Imaging Tool Support For Gpt
Imaging Tool Support for GPT In generating SW boot images for GPT drives, the user must utilize “GPT aware” software tools. Not all tools will automatically support partitioning and formatting for GPT. For example, only newer versions of Symantec GHOST™ are able to handle GPT partition tables. -
Page 8: Summary
For the UEFI specification, go to the UEFI SIG website at: http://www.uefi.org/home/ © 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services.