IDE/SATA Mappings: DVDR/CDR HDs

[dalfollo]

I am trying to get my simple Presario system set up so I don't have to open the case for a while....

It is Socket 939 system running a Sempron 3200 (1.8GHZ) on an MSI board. I have a couple questions about the use of the IDE and SATA connectors:

The board comes with two IDE connectors (for a total of four devices), and two SATA connectors...Can I make the assumption that I can't use all at the same time...meaning either I use the IDE for Four devices, or the SATA for two...but not together?....or would I be so lucky that when IDE and SATA are on the same MB that means I can fill out all availble space? (6 total items (4 IDE plus 2 SATA)). Is it possible to mix and match at all?

Second question...the Mini ATX case is a little tight, and with the proprietory front cover, I am practically forced to have a CDR/DVD and a DVDRW on IDE2 and two HDs on IDE1....

Any drawbacks to running CDR/DVD and DVDRW on IDE2 and two HDs on the other?

Thanks for any feedback

 

[Hardlin]

You should be able to use all the storage connectors simultaneously (I am on my DFI Ultra-D). That said, there should be no drawback to running that configuration.

 

[NateSLC]

Yes, you should be able to run all 4 IDE devices along with 2 SATA devices.

As for two hard drives on the same IDE channel, there will be a bottleneck when you transfer a lot of data from one hard drive to another.

 

[dalfollo]

Thanks for the feedback...Likes like I will have some expansion in the future for this PC once the SATA drives drop a little in price....hmmm...lots of spare PATA drives, maybe I can get a SATA to PATA converter.......

Right now I am using my 80GB for OS and Programs, and the second drive (160GB) for data and such....pretty basic user I probably won't notice the difference too much.

Thanks again.