MSI K7T Pro - need help configuring IDE devices

[Dethoff]

I know this type question has been asked in the past, but despite searching, I remain confused.

I puchased an EIDE Plextor 12/10/32 CD-RW to add to my system and am unsure what will be the best configuration.

My current set-up:

MSI K7T Pro
Duron 650 o/c to 700
128 PC133 RAM
Hercules GeForce 2 MX
Win 98 SE

IDE channel 1: Maxtor 7200 rpm 30 GB HD 66

IDE channel 2: Pioneer 10 X DVD-ROM (master)
Iomega Zip drive (slave)


I currently have DMA enabled on my Pioneer DVD, but am unable to use DMA on the Iomega zip drive.

Since I have no immediate plans to add another HDD to channel 1, is there a way to add the CD-RW without compromising performance?

My thought was to do the following:

IDE 1: Maxtor (master)
DVD-ROM (slave)
IDE 2: Plextor (master)
Zip (slave)


The confusion that seems to exist among the stuff I've read, is whether or not adding anything to the IDE channel 1 will cause a hit on HDD performance.

Would it be better to just install a separate controller board? If so, I would appreciate any specific recommendations or insight re: this particular MB.

If I do add a separate controller board, do I need to reformat and reinstall?

Thanks for your patience in what I'm sure is a repeat question.

 

[bluesky]

I put 1 Maxtor 40 gig ata 100 on primary IDE master, and will put a Plextor burner on secondary master and a Toshiba dvd drive on slave. Well, I don't have any zip drive. Can't you put the zip on FDD channel?

 

[Dethoff]

Bluesky,

The Iomega zip drive is an IDE device. I have never heard of one going on the floppy controller.

John

 

[bluesky]

I heard you should put plextor cd burner on secondary master. Also I saw some people put ide cd(burner too) drives on primary.
I think you can juggle around anyway easier to install.