6 Drives, 3 IDE Cables

C

computermaineack

New Member
Hey everyone, thanks in advance for the help.

Anyway, I've got 4 drives currently in my computer: my master 40gb hard drive, my slave 60 gb hard drive, my cd-rw, and i have a dvd reader that isn't connected. I also have additional 160gb and 60gb hard drives that aren't connected as well. As stated in the subject, I've only got three IDE cables. I was wondering how I can connect all 6 drives (if need be, less) without having to upgrade my motherboard. My motherboard is a Dell 0C2425 version A01.

I spoke to a Dell Tech Support guy, but I honestly couldn't understand him- his accent was too thick. I'm totally serious.

I'd appreciate a quick response---my two hd's connected have I think under 10gb remaining....not good.
 
buy a IDE add on card. if you just have 6 can use 1 for the two cd drives, and the other two for the four drives.
 
Motoxrdude said:
usb hub?
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I could do that, but I don't want to spend a lot of money here. I just wanted to know if I could add more IDE cables without my motherboard freaking out. I think I read somewhere that most motherboards will take two drives per port?
 
Motherboards only have 2 IDE ports, so you can only have a max of 4 drives. If you want more you need to buy an IDE controller card, or hook them up via USB.
 
Guys, I really just wanted to know if my motherboard would support more IDE cables
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Basically, the average motherboard will only have two PATA (IDE) controllers (there are exceptions) allowing the use of up to 4 drives. Seeing as you have a Dell this is almost certainly the case and the reason everyone was giving suggestions for alternatives.
 
Ok, so, I had a look at my computer, and there are indeed 2 IDE ports. 1 of the IDE ports has an IDE cable that goes to my primary drive, and nothing else. The second port has a cable that has two thingys that connect to my CD-RW and my slave drive. So could I pull an IDE cable with two connector things out of an old computer and put it in this computer so that I have 4 drives, instead of 3?
 
So could I pull an IDE cable with two connector things out of an old computer and put it in this computer so that I have 4 drives, instead of 3?
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Yes you can. If the cable is too old, though, it might limit your transfer speed.
 
If i were u, id go the IDE Controller card route: I did it myself.

I put my 2 storage drives on the IDE controller card, cuz since the card is PCI, its just a tad slower, and with storage, that speed doesnt matter.

It only cost me like 15 bucks for the card from www.NewEgg.com

ended up buying one that wasnt compatible with windows xp, make sure u check before u buy!
 
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