SATA as Primary, PATA as secondary, can it be done?

[McSpin]

I have a newer HP that came with a 320 gb SATA drive. Can I add a second PATA drive to be used for data? If so, how are the different cables connected? Is there a Master/Slave switch to worry about? Thanks for any help.

 

[mep916]

I have a newer HP that came with a 320 gb SATA drive. Can I add a second PATA drive to be used for data? If so, how are the different cables connected? Is there a Master/Slave switch to worry about? Thanks for any help.

You don't have to worry about primary/secondary settings with a SATA drive. With the PATA, set the jumper as master on the hard drive. Make sure your SATA drive is first in the boot priority in the BIOS.

 

[McSpin]

Thanks for the info.

There is a ribbon cable that goes into my CD drive. Can I use the extra slave connector off this to connect into the PATA drive?

 

[mep916]

Thanks for the info.

There is a ribbon cable that goes into my CD drive. Can I use the extra slave connector off this to connect into the PATA drive?

Yes. If you do that, set the jumper on the HD to slave.

 

[McSpin]

mep916,

I just got done putting it in, and it was very easy and works perfectly. Your advise was great. Thanks for helping.

 

[mep916]

mep916,

I just got done putting it in, and it was very easy and works perfectly. Your advise was great. Thanks for helping.

No problem. Use your extra storage space wisely.

 

[McSpin]

No problem. Use your extra storage space wisely.

I wish I were smart enough!

 

[mep916]

I wish I were smart enough!

We all start somewhere, right? You'll learn.