SATA vs IDE

[gwlogue]

I was checking prices on hard drives today and I found IDE and SATA drives on the same shelf in the store. SATA drives are about $50 cheaper but what are they? The sales rep wasn't as old as my jacket so I didn't look to him for advice.

[Sterling_Aug]

They are the newest style of hard drives out.

If your computer is older than your jacket, then you probabely can't use SATA unless you buy an add on controller for about $50.

I only have two systems that have built in SATA controllers, so I use both styles.

[gwlogue]

My system is younger than salesman (who is younger than my jacket), and it performs tests at boot for SATA drives so I'm guessing I could use them.

I'm not big on risk as this system is being used to support a $12mill budget so I'm thinking IDE is the option I should stick with.

[mireland]

I really don't think your average user could tell the difference in performance in SATA vs IDE..In my opinion... :t

[Sterling_Aug]

Then yes, your system could use them and there would be NO RISK to the system. They are cheaper because all the manufacturers have increased their production of SATA while reducing the volume of IDE drives.

I just bought a 250GB IDE drive for $99 with shipping.

[patrickt]

My newest motherboard has only one IDE connection which serves my two DVD drives. You put your hard drives on the SATA. I saw no difference in performance when I moved to SATA. I do like the smaller cables and lack of jumpers to futz with.

[Midknyte]

Most of the 775 boards only have one IDE now.

Interface is only one aspect of the drive. You need to look at other factors like spindle speed and cache.

I would just go SATA, since that's the way the industry is going.

[rainman202]

Can you use both , Sata and IDE together ? Please

I have 2 hard drives now both IDE and was thinkin about buying a new Hd Sate 250gb - My motherboard (abit ic7 )has 2 sata connectors allready and i have the cables + IDE converter

Mike

[Midknyte]

yes you can use both SATA and IDE together

[AllGamer]

yeap, my system is running 4 on SATA, and 3+DVDRW on IDE :)

[rainman202]

Thanks for the replies .... Thats good news :-)

I may need to ask a few more questions .. at a later date wen i purchase my HD

Mike