Upgrade to Promise ATA133 controller or use onboard IDE?

[BlueWeasel]

Here's my current setup:

Epox 8RDA3+
2600+ @ 2.5Ghz
Maxtor ATA133 120gb as primary master
Maxtor ATA133 160gb as primary slave
16x DVD-ROM as secondary master
8x DVD burner as secondary slave
Recently, the transfer of data from HD1 to HD2 has been lacking. I know it's been like this from the beginning, but it's an issue because I've started doing some video encoding. I'd like to maximize the drives' performance as much as possible.

I know that having both HDs on the same channel is the problem, since they have to share the bandwidth.

Option #1 - Rearrange drives on onboard IDE controllers
HD1 as PM
DVD burner as PS
HD2 as SM
DVD-ROM as SS

Option #1 - Get a Promise ATA133 TX2 controller and put each drive on a single channel
HD1 as master on Promise controller 1
HD2 as master on Promise conroller 2
DVD-ROM as master on primary onboard IDE
DVD burner as master on secondary onboard IDE

I can pick up the Promise controller for $20-25. Do you think it would be noticeable performance gain using the Promise controller vs. just simply rearranging the drives on the onboard controller?

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I would start with option #1 and see how they do. I'd also try option #1 without any optical drives on the channel to see if that makes any difference.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
I would start with option #1 and see how they do. I'd also try option #1 without any optical drives on the channel to see if that makes any difference.

Well, I've heard some people still claim having a HD on the same channel as an optical drive means the HD will run at the slower speed of the optical. I'm sure that's why my current setup is the way I have it now. But everything I've been able to find claims most boards made in the last 2-3 years all support Indepedent Device Timings. This just simply means each device, regardless if it's a HD or optical drive, can each run independently of each other.

 

[Zepper]

When possible, I like to put all drives on separate channels. Instead of Promise, get a Silicon Image based card like the Syba (often $20. or less shipped) - the SI chipset is much more flexible than the Promise (runs pretty much any way you need with any drives you need from ATAPI to RAID). Most SI-based kits come with only one cable so you may need to order one along with.

.bh.

 

[Steven the Leech]

When possible, I like to put all drives on separate channels

I do too. for 20-25.00 not too painful of an upgrade either.

 

[gwag]

I would put HD's on one controler and Opticals on another. how often to you read /write to both drives? only when moving stuff or if you have a page file there.
Or
boot drive primary master
cpticals on secondary
non boot on PCI controller.