SATA interface?

[Richard C]

Greetings, I want to instal a DVD writer. How can I tell if my computer will accept SATA interface? Thanks Richard

DELL Dimension 2350, XP Version 2002 service pack 3
Pentium[R] CPU2.00GHz 1.99GHz RAM

 

[lion149]

You need to check your motherboard, but im 99% sure the answer is no, IDE only...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim2350/specs.htm

 

[johnb35]

Nope, it doesn't support sata as that machine is way too old for sata support.

 

[Vampiric Rouge]

You could alternatively get a PCI add on card that has internal sATA ports.

 

[PohTayToez]

You could alternatively get a PCI add on card that has internal sATA ports.

It would probably be better (and definitely cheaper) to just get an IDE DVD burner.

 

[Vampiric Rouge]

Easier yes, Cheaper no.

Newegg as a basis.
PCI sATA card = 15-20USD
PATA DVD Burner = 25-30 USD

 

[PohTayToez]

Easier yes, Cheaper no.

Newegg as a basis.
PCI sATA card = 15-20USD
PATA DVD Burner = 25-30 USD

I was thinking more along the lines of SATA card + SATA DVD Drive vs. just IDE Drive.

 

[Vampiric Rouge]

I was thinking more along the lines of SATA card + SATA DVD Drive vs. just IDE Drive.

You win this round!

 

[Richard C]

Sorry! Been away,

Adding a IDE to SATA card will add only about $14. Would it work just as well as if the SATA cable was hooked into a Motherboard that had the SATA plugs? Thanks Richard

Dell Dimension 2350

Also I read some of the coments on Newegge and Tigerdirect ,several people claim to have gotten bum units. Can that be expected?

 

[Cromewell]

For the connection, it's not much different. For most purposes it will work through a PCI card just as well as it would directly to the motherboard.

But as for getting failed units, it happens sometimes. That said, it shouldn't be expected and is usually pretty rare.

 

[Richard C]

Thanks for the reply. I like the idea of the SATA cable. Not sure if the cable comes with all IDE units.