TechSpot

  1. TechSpot is dedicated to computer enthusiasts and power users. Ask a question and give support. Join the community here.
    Ask a Question
    See Latest Posts
    TechSpot is dedicated to computer enthusiasts and power users.
    Ask a question and give support.
    Join the community here, it only takes a minute.
    Dismiss Notice

ATA Controller Cards?

cslord15
By cslord15
Jan 14, 2004
  1. I currently have both ATA channels full on my motherboard (DVD and a CD writer on one, plus my 40/80 gig HDs on another). If I buy a PCI controller card, will I still get ATA 100 transfer speeds, or are the transfer speeds limited to the speed of the PCI bus?
     
    Jan 14, 2004
    #1
  2. RealBlackStuff

    RealBlackStuff TS Rookie Posts: 6,503

    The speed of the PCI IDE-controller decides how fast your HD's can run. With a 133-card you can run ATA-133/100/66/33 HD's.
    Note that the lowest speed of a pair of HD's (say 133 and 100) is the one that will be maintained (in my example both HDs will run at 100).

    Something to seriously consider is a more powerful Powersupply. Go for 430 or higher wattage and buy a brand-name like Enermax or Antec etc.
     
    Jan 15, 2004
    #2
  3. Greeno

    Greeno TS Rookie Posts: 281

    He meant, will the speed of his PCI bus limit the max data transfer rate his PCI card will do..
     
    Jan 15, 2004
    #3
  4. RealBlackStuff

    RealBlackStuff TS Rookie Posts: 6,503

    No, the extra card will let the HDs on it run at their own speed, independent of the mobo's PCI-bus speed.
     
    Jan 16, 2004
    #4
Topic Status:
Not open for further replies.

Similar Topics

Add New Comment

You need to be a member to leave a comment. Join thousands of tech enthusiasts and participate.
TechSpot Account You may also...