Is there any problem installing a new and fast Promise DMA66 controller in the same PC where there is already an older DMA33 controller? I am about to install another two IBM Deskstar 13,6Gb HD's and the older DMA33 controller is already occupied with two Maxtor 10Gb HD's, a CD_ROM and the diskette drive. Does anybody se any problems here?
Kaare Nilsen, Norway
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Kaare Nilsen
I suspect the main issue will be system resources, as the Promise controller probably wants another IRQ. Luckily most PCs have at least one free (I was poking around on mine at the weekend looking to free up 3 for a DV300 and Fasttrack card and surprised to find I still had two left), and if not you can free up one or two on most new PCs by switching to a USB keyboard and/or mouse. Otherwise as long as the drivers are written properly it should just work.
Let us know how you get on, because it's a question I've heard several times in the past and never got a definite answer for.
The ATA66 Controller lets you have four devices, I think. If so, then you'd be better off removing the ATA33 card and running all four ATA devices off the new card.
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Bob C
Given what Bob states, do you want to sell your PCI DMA33 board. I need one?
Don't expect to see any great performance inprovement with 66. I've seen some tests and the improvement level was almost unmeasurable.
John Ferrick
Thanks everyone for your replies. The 66 controller is now running along fine with the old 33-controller. I need both controllers for five HD's (55Gb space for video), CD-ROM, diskdrive etc. A colleague of mine installed it all, he's the PC doctor at school.
And believe me, this PC is BLAZING fast! I simply LOVE editing video on it, using DC30Plus.
Cheers all.
Kaare
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Kaare Nilsen
Karre,
Can you please post the results of the read and write speeds of the drives now that you are using the ATA66 controller. How does this rate compare with what you were achieving under udma33?