Generic Computer Quesion

**2L_SS** · 12-25-2007, 09:18 PM

Well here is my 2 part noob question. My motherboard has 1 IDE port and 2 SATA ports and I want to use a slim cd/dvd drive. All of the ones I can find all utilize an IDE adapter. Would it be a good idea to use a SATA HDD such as this, and save the IDE port for the cd/dvd drive? Or should I use an IDE HDD and connect the two in tandem to the IDE port on the mobo?

**DarquePervert** · 12-26-2007, 08:17 AM

If it were me, I'd go with a SATA hard drive.
Another option would be to get a USB adapter for the optical drive and run it off a USB p
port.

There should be no issues having both a HDD and an optical drive on the same IDE chain.

**kirk78h** · 12-26-2007, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

There should be no issues having both a HDD and an optical drive on the same IDE chain.

I'm not sure where I read this, but I *think* if you run two devices on one IDE channel, the data throughput is limited to the speed of the slowest component. Maybe someone with more experience could confirm or refute this.

Kirk

**RedGTiVR6** · 12-26-2007, 10:46 AM

Typically, the CD-Rom drive will be mounted in the front of the vehicle where it's useable. To do this, most people run an external case for these drives. These cases are connected to the computer via USB. This is one such case: http://store.mp3car.com/Ultra_Slim_E..._p/com-002.htm

**DarquePervert** · 12-26-2007, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by kirk78h

I'm not sure where I read this, but I *think* if you run two devices on one IDE channel, the data throughput is limited to the speed of the slowest component. Maybe someone with more experience could confirm or refute this.

Kirk

When ATA-66 (also kknown as "Ultra-ATA" or "Fast ATA") came out (and later evolved into ATA-100), there were HDDs that supported the faster data transfer speed, but optical drives did not.
Newer optical drives are fast ATA, so it should not be an issue.

We're talking about stuff from nearly 10 years ago that doesn't really apply anymore.

**2L_SS** · 12-26-2007, 03:34 PM

What is faster, a SATA HDD or an IDE HDD? I was assuming the SATA would be slower but if its not I will probably just go with that style. I'm putting my PC in my dash so I'm not to worried about running a long IDE cable for the CD/DVD drive.

**DarquePervert** · 12-26-2007, 03:39 PM

SATA, typically.
Spindle speed has more of an impact on HD speed, I believe. Go for 7200rpm if possible.

Also, how long an IDE cable are you talking about? The max IDE length according to the specification is 18 inches. 24 inch cables are pretty common and likely to work, but I wouldn't trust anything longer than that.

**2L_SS** · 12-26-2007, 04:03 PM

18" should be more than enough for what I'm doing. I plan on putting everything in the 2 DIN slot on my dash. As far as HDDs go I think I'm going with a 10,000 SATA, found here, or would the 7200 be better?

**RedGTiVR6** · 12-26-2007, 07:19 PM

Remember, the faster a drive spins the more heat it generates. I'd venture to bet that the 7200rpm drive will be more robust in the car, but I don't have any data to back that up.

**RedGTiVR6** · 12-26-2007, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

SATA, typically.
Spindle speed has more of an impact on HD speed, I believe. Go for 7200rpm if possible.

Also, how long an IDE cable are you talking about? The max IDE length according to the specification is 18 inches. 24 inch cables are pretty common and likely to work, but I wouldn't trust anything longer than that.

6' doesn't work...I tried...a LONG time ago...