RAID0 PATA vs SATA

[coolpurplefan]

Let`s suppose I wanted to put two Samsung Spinpoint HDs in RAID0, and played games like BF2 and UT2004. Would I see any real-world difference between a SATA combo vs a PATA combo?

 

[KoolDrew]

Don't even bother with RAID-0 for gaming. The performance difference is negligible and even worse then a single drive in some cases. It also significantly reduces reliability.

 

[RichUK]

If you use different IDE channels then no. SATA has not exceeded the I/O over IDE yet, so if using a dedicated IDE channel there will be no difference. Considering if the IDE controller is upto par against the new SATA equivalent, this will hold true.

If I had to give you an ultimatum, I would go with the slim SATA cables, as I totally detest IDE cables with a passion.

So there you have it, close, but SATA FTW

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Don't even bother with RAID-0 for gaming. The performance difference is negligible and even worse then a single drive in some cases. It also significantly reduces reliability.

Yes this is true and I agree. Plus all contingency is lost in RAID 0 unless you have a backup solution. So beware.

 

[coolpurplefan]

Well, thank you very much for the comments. I`m hesitant to use SATA because I read the connectors can break off the motherboard. I guess I`ll just get a single PATA drive then.

 

[Zepper]

Yup, the current crop of SATA connectors are VERY fragile - both on the mobo and the drives. And it almost looks like it was done on purpose as a very easy mod to the SATA connector block (at least on my Hitachi) could strengthen it many times. WD has a special cable that makes the connection MUCH stronger, but I'm hearing that it only fits WD drives.

.bh.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Yup, the current crop of SATA connectors are VERY fragile - both on the mobo and the drives. And it almost looks like it was done on purpose as a very easy mod to the SATA connector block (at least on my Hitachi) could strengthen it many times. WD has a special cable that makes the connection MUCH stronger, but I'm hearing that it only fits WD drives.

.bh.

That?s correct, i am using one on my WD raptor, they are branded WD secure connect and are supposedly 500 times more secure. I bought one because I didn?t like the idea of breaking the SATA interface on my brand new raptor. The only annoying thing is you have to use a molex power connector when using this and not the new SATA power connector.

The SATA heads on the motherboard however i dont overly trust as they are not that secure at all. The new ASUS boards seem to have a more secure fitting for the SATA heads.