Correct configuration?

[Carbo]

I have a Gateway, about twenty months old.
My first and only computer. P3/500, 256MB RAM, 20G Quantum FireBall Plus KX hard drive.
As I tweak, poke and prod, I noticed my hard drive is NOT connected directly to the motherboard, but rather to an IDE controller card. I thought this was not the usual way of doing things, but I may be missing something. Is there an advantage to this setup? Or does it not matter either way?
Originally, the IDE Primary was left open. I have since added a CD-RW to that slot. The IDE Secondary has the CD/DVD player and a Zip Drive. Thank you.

 

[MCS]

That is some sort of IDE controller card. This is allowing your HD to run using a mode that your motherboard may not support itself. For example, it might be an ATA-66 controller card, for an ATA-66 HD, whereas your mobo only supports ATA-33 (for example).

This is quite usual, unless you are having any problems with it then I wouldn't worry about it.

Have a look in Device Manager and you should be able to see exactly what card it is (if it does not say on the card itself).

 

[confounded]

If your not experiencing any problems than I don't believe it matters. The card may add fuctionality missing from the onboard controller if the chipset can support it, such as ATA66 support or something like that.

 

[Carbo]

Yes, it is an ATA 66 Controller card. Basically, then, it doesn't add or detract from performance or operation, it's just one way of doing things?
Oh, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it..........thank you.

 

[Shooters]

Everything is fine; don't worry about it affecting performance. Some people use controller cards instead on the onboard controller for different reasons. Like the others have already mentioned, maybe the motherboard only supports ATA/33 whereas the controller card is an ATA/66. Also, some people use them because it opens up the primary IDE channel on the motherboard, so you can add more drives (optical, zip, etc.).