spasmous2 said:
I recently obtained a new computer that has SATA drives. I would like
to make use of my old IDE disk for a 2nd disk however there are no IDE
ports. There are PCI ports. I've seen PCI-IDE adapters on the market
and was wondering if adding the old disk through an adapter as a 2nd
disk drive (storage only, not boot) is likely to work. Thanks.
Yes, it will work.
I've seen one complaint, about a PCI IDE card not being able to handle
a >500GB disk. I don't know if I believe it or not (it's not a logical
value for problems to appear), or if it was a model specific issue.
IDE drives, as far as I know, went up to 750GB before they stopped issuing
new ones at peak capacity. You may still be able to find IDE drives at
lower capacities, but I don't know if I could find a 750GB or larger one
in IDE right now.
Otherwise, your application requirements aren't stressing the limitations
of the cards or motherboard BIOS. I think a card is likely to do what
you need. As John says, the reviews will tell you everything you need
to know. At least, if a review makes a claim (like, "I couldn't find a
driver"), those are things you can check out in advance, by checking
the manufacturer site. I have a feeling, with your modern new computer,
it's going to be plug and play, and you won't even need to reach for
the driver CD. Cards now have VT6421 or IT8212, and those are likely
to have drivers already in the OS. If it was me, I'd just install it
and try it.
Paul