DVD drive interface question

[memory]

A family member just bought a Pioneer internal dvd burner, don't remember the model. The computer he has requires an IDE drive. On the dvd drive box, it says ATAPI(I think that is what it said) interface required. It also says 80 pin IDE cable required. My question is ATAPI different than IDE? Doesn't all IDE cables have 80 pins? The connection on back of the drive looks the same as an IDE connection. Is this drive going to work?

 

[deanj20]

In a word - YES.

From http://www.iomega.com/support/manua...mega.com/support/manuals/zip2a/ide_atapi.html

IDE (ATA) was originally designed for hard disks only, not removable devices such as Zip® drives, CD drives, and tape drives. ATAPI, which stands for Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface, is designed to bridge this gap and support removable drives. ATAPI devices use the IDE channel to communicate with the computer.

 

[memory]

So the drive should work then?

The box also said it required an ATAPI slot in the computer. Is that different than a standard 5.25" slot? It looks like the same size as a regular one.

 

[deanj20]

so the drive should work then?

YES. It will work.

 

[memory]

Okay good, thank you very much.

 

[StrangleHold]

Sorta right. There is no such thing as a 80 (pin) IDE cable. They are both 40 pin. Old ones had 40 wires, newer ones have 80 wires. Think it was when it went to ATA/ATAPI 4 they added the extra 40 ground wires.