N00B Question

[like a fox]

Does anybody know if the Seagate 36.7gig 15k rpm drive works with regular ide? It uses an Ultra320 SCSI interface. I haven't been able to find any pics or info on the drive and whether or not they will work with ide. Thanks for any info.

 

[Mojoed]

SCSI is a different interface than IDE. You'll need a SCSI controller to use this drive.

 

[like a fox]

Where would i find one? How do i hook it up?

 

[Mojoed]

Try www.pricewatch.com, under "Cards - Controller". It's not going to be cheap though. Keep in mind, SCSI is not a mainstream solution and is significantly more expensive than IDE. Some motherboards even have integrated SCSI, but these are generally server-class, and again will cost you a ton of money.

What are you planning to do with this computer? What is your budget? It may be a better for you to stick with IDE and sell this drive and get a 74GB Raptor, if disk performance is important.

 

[like a fox]

I was considering two 36.7 WD 10k Raptor drives, but Seagate caught my attention w/ 15k rpm, and have considered getting dual 36.7s on overstock.com for about 120 a piece.

 

[Mojoed]

Also check out Storage Review. The performance database would be a good place to start.

Unless you're made of money, I'd stick with the Raptors.

 

[like a fox]

Thanks for all the help, but i still gots one last question; how does the controller card work? I've found several, but some have dual, while others have single ports. Do the hard drives hook into the card and data is transfered to the mobo, or do i need to hook something else up to the card externally, as there is another port on the pci card that is external. Once again thanks for the help...im a lil slow.

 

[w00t]

what are u going to be doing with this pc? because unless you are making a server scsi is really pointless. raptor drives arent much better than most 7,200 rpm 3 sec faster in loading. i dont think you are gonna make a server its seems like u are kinda new to this whole comp thing. just get like a maxtor 3 16mb cache 250gig same price as raptor, about the same in performance.

 

[Mojoed]

The SCSI controller cards are usually PCI. These cards work the same way as conventional integrated IDE controllers, except they're not integrated. You install the card, then connect the drive to the card via the 68/80 pin cable. It's pretty easy once it's installed. Make sure your 'boot device order' (BIOS option) is set to your needs.

I hope this helps.

 

[like a fox]

Originally posted by: w00t
what are u going to be doing with this pc? because unless you are making a server scsi is really pointless. raptor drives arent much better than most 7,200 rpm 3 sec faster in loading. i dont think you are gonna make a server its seems like u are kinda new to this whole comp thing. just get like a maxtor 3 16mb cache 250gig same price as raptor, about the same in performance.

Granted, but i have to admit im a sucker for big numbers, namely 15000rpm, lol. Im not new, i've been viewing the forums for some time and have built 6 pc's for people already, assembly and everything.

Also Mojoed, do the SCSI ribbons have a dual function like ide cables (can hook up to 2 devices), or do i need to buy a dual port controller card? Thx

 

[KoolDrew]

You have not said exactly what you are using the PC for.

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: like a fox

Originally posted by: w00t
what are u going to be doing with this pc? because unless you are making a server scsi is really pointless. raptor drives arent much better than most 7,200 rpm 3 sec faster in loading. i dont think you are gonna make a server its seems like u are kinda new to this whole comp thing. just get like a maxtor 3 16mb cache 250gig same price as raptor, about the same in performance.

Granted, but i have to admit im a sucker for big numbers, namely 15000rpm, lol. Im not new, i've been viewing the forums for some time and have built 6 pc's for people already, assembly and everything.

Also Mojoed, do the SCSI ribbons have a dual function like ide cables (can hook up to 2 devices), or do i need to buy a dual port controller card? Thx

You can hook up many more SCSI devices, than IDE
I've seen SCSI cables supporting 5 devices. Modern SCSI can support up to 15 devices total. Oh yea, max cable length is longer with SCSI, I can't remember off the top of my head, but it's several feet.

 

[like a fox]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
You have not said exactly what you are using the PC for.

Oh yeah, sorry. I have absolutely no idea, the guy I'm building it for is fairly well-to-do and jus wants the best i guess...otherwise I myself would stick with raptors, but I wanted to find out which was better excluding money.