PCI IDE RAID or SATA convertor?

[BG4533]

After a long struggle of trying to decie between a SATA or PATA Barracuda V I have finally decided on going with the PATA version. My reasons are:
1: My computer is near silent and the PATA version has acoustical management
2: The PATA version will be compatible with my older non-SATA hardware
3: The SATA version will cost more money.

I think I am purchasing an ASUS A7N8X deluxe motherboard with SATA raid as well. Because the mobo has only 2 regular IDE plugs to run my optical drives I will need to either:
1: Purchase a PATA to SATA coverter which I have heard hurt performance
2: purchase a PCI IDE raid card like this

Which do you reccomend?
Would I likely get better performance running my HD on the RAID controller and opticals on the main controller or the other way around. I will lost the ability to boot from opticals if they are on the PCI card, correct?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Zepper]

Yes, the Silicon Image based RAID cards are very good, but avoid Kouwell/Koutech if possible.
You should be able to boot from HD or optical on an SI based card some others support only HDs even in non-boot config.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[BG4533]

Is there a reason I should avoid Koutech? Can you reccomend another card in this price range? It does not have to be RAID, but it would be nice.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Wait, so if I use a PATA to SATA convertor, it will run fine? Then couldn't I run IDE RAID on an SATA Raid equipped motherboard with the convertor?

 

[BG4533]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Wait, so if I use a PATA to SATA convertor, it will run fine? Then couldn't I run IDE RAID on an SATA Raid equipped motherboard with the convertor?

I don't see why it wouldnt work. All the adaptors do is change the PATA signal to a SATA signal. However, the adaptors run $25-30 each and you would need 2. For that price you can buy a good RAID card. Also, there is a performance loos from the adaptors that I imagine would be doubled from the RAID array. I dont think it is the best idea.

Brian

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: BG4533

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Wait, so if I use a PATA to SATA convertor, it will run fine? Then couldn't I run IDE RAID on an SATA Raid equipped motherboard with the convertor?

I don't see why it wouldnt work. All the adaptors do is change the PATA signal to a SATA signal. However, the adaptors run $25-30 each and you would need 2. For that price you can buy a good RAID card. Also, there is a performance loos from the adaptors that I imagine would be doubled from the RAID array. I dont think it is the best idea.

Brian

Ok, I was thinking they were nothing more than a change in wiring or something, if they're that expensive I could just end up getting a niec raid card. Thanks.

 

[Zepper]

Why to avoid Koutech/Kouwell:
From personal experience I stay away from Kouwell/Koutech. I once bought a Koutech Vesa multi-I/O and HD controller and the length of the edge card connectors weren't in spec, so I ended up having to put a shim in the card slot. And I had to replace a lot of their stuff when I worked as a tech at Computer Renaissance. Never again... EDIT: Oops, I just discovered that the card Geeks is selling is the Koutech (not mentioned at all in the listing), so look elsewhere.
Just try to get any support from them...
Dealsonic has the Syba brand card for $19. w/ free ground shipping.
.bh.
:sun: