Clarify some thoughts.... plz

[bclampitt]

I am in the planning part of a project that I want to get done soon. What I want to do, first off is create my own plexi-glass computer case, inwhich I have some good designs and specifications to build, just got to get off my lazy *deleted* and get it done http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Anyways, what I am going to be doing it making it a server computer with Windows 2000 Server, and have some massive storage. I am in college, for programming and networking. Right now in my apartment I have 8 computers setup, I am using a Win98se computer as the server using the ICS feature to share the Cable connection with my other computers. But I want to setup a good server... heh. Well anyways I plan if possible or can. I know it is, to have 3 Hdd's on the mother board (Primary Master, Primary Slave, and Secondary Slave,[CD Rom Secondary Master]). And then I want to add a Ultra IDE 66 Controller card and add another 4 hdd's. First tell me something that is possible right? If you have done it or have seen it or know of someone who has done it with success please tell me. And there is the possibility that I might want to add more like get another IDE Controller Card and have that running too.... possible? I think so. don't know, that is why I am typing this out. Surely not for my health http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

See 2 quarters from now we are taking a MSCE class on Windows NT and I want to be ahead of the game. That is one reason why I want to make my own case. because of all the stuff I want to add, you can probably understand that know. I actually know someone who makes cases, that will most likely help me out, when it comes time to get off my *deleted* and build it.

Well any feed back on this subject will be helpfull. If you are going to ask why in the hell I want to have so much massive storage for no real reason. Well somewhat because I can. Not like I have money to burn or anything like that. I have alot of 8 gig hdd's lying around and everything and I would like to use them all in this pc. Pictures, programming projects, AutoCAD images, etc.. ya know http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Brad

*edited for language*-Mntsnow

[This message has been edited by Mntsnow (edited 08-06-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

Well first things first. YES you can use a add-in card to add more IDE devices such as what you were discribing. ( is very easy to configure as long as you have the avaliable IRQ resources).

Helpful hint http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I personally would recommend that you run your server on SCSI drives as they will perform better with lower overhead in a server type roll. As well you will be able to run more drives on a single controller. (although it sound like in your case that IDE will do just fine. (ie: not a lot of "serving").

[bclampitt]

Mntsnow,

Thanks for the reply. I always thought you could use an IDE controller card, and I have one, just never got around to using it. I have had it forever.

I fell ya on the Scsi part... the problem.. I don't have any scsi hdd's, and they are expensive right now... but I would love to convert when the prices drop.. believe me I love scsi .. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I was going to just keep my configs as they are, and just get one of those 14 HDD Scsi Towers... which would kick ****.. but don't have the hdd's.. heh. Plus I can get 60 gig IDE hdd's cheap if I want some... really really cheap too!.. $130 http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks for the help... anyone else have suggestions or comments... feel free even you want to reply back with some more info mucho apprecation... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[cyclone2]

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/007879.html try here

[Underclocked]

If you've not bought your motherboard yet, you might consider the Soyo 6BA+IV which has 4 ide contollers for 8 devices built in. Two channels are ata66 capable.

[Ruahrc]

Hello-

Going with Underclocked's idea...

I ordered a KA7-100 recently which also has 4 IDE Channels for a total of 8 devices on the M/B. Two channels are ATA/100 and the other two are ATA/66. It is a Slot-A Athlon MB FYI.

Also, if you are looking into the future more maybe, Abit also will (or already has) released a MB that supports the SocketA for Thunderbirds/Durons. It also will have 4 channels, 2 ATA/100 and 2 ATA/66. It is basically a KT133 version of the KA7-100.

Another nice thing about this board is that it has built-in RAID support. All I know about RAID right now is that you use it to hook up mulitple drives to create one big, fast, reliable drive. The finer points of RAID will have to be explained by someone else though.

Hope this helps

Ruahrc

[bclampitt]

I like the idea... of having extra ide controllers built on the board.... I would also like to have dual processor support if possible.. actually if I was going to buy a new board... thanks for the suggestions http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Not for sure, if I want to use a p3-450 or a p2-333.... or even a Celeron 466.. as the server processor...

B Clampitt