Desktop Hard Drive / External Storage Solution Question

MrBen_4

Can you get drives that support SATA and ATA?

I would like to replace the hdd in my current PC with a new hdd using my current ATA setup (one hdd on primary channel another hdd on secondary channel). I'm looking to get a new PC later this year and am hoping to go SATA. I would like to use the new hdd I buy now in that system.

A second question, can anyone suggest a solution to an external hdd server/storage setup? I have about four 3.5" internal hdds in their own external enclosures connected to my pc through various USB cables. I would like to tidy this up a bit, by being able to just turn one thing on and having all that data easy to look at, easy to manage, and perhaps passworded. I suppose something that connects to my router/hub would be even more beneficial

Sorry, if that didn't make much sense.

update:
I suppose what I'm looking at is something like this:
http://www17.tomshardware.com/storage/20050919/index.html

Is this a bit too extreme for a home user like me? I do have more than 4 drives on hand to use though.

Number_6_3

Netgear storage about £70 for 2 ide hard disk support

Wireless connection as well...theres other Network attached storage around, but the costs may prohibit home use.

I've not seen anything with both sata ide compatability but can see no reason why such technology doesn't exist.

R

Number_6_3

scan just shy of £600! Seems a lot for the home...

R

rogerramjet

Got this one myself...had for over a year now has ATA and SATA

http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.fdd9dbceef73222d92b86b31bac4f0a0/


Just took my side off for a look actually just SATA.

If you wanted to upgrade now to SATA get a PCI SATA Controller Card

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=11694081144&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60614

blinky

You can get convertors which allow you to connect up your P-ATA to S-ATA ports. Scan sell them but I don't know how well they work.

MrBen_4

Number 6, The Netgear SC101 does look fairly decent - shame it doesn't support a few more hdds. (ps. I can't see an on/off switch on this thing!)

I've actually got a SATA enabled motherboard at the moment (Asus A7V8X) but I currently have other ATA hdds in the machine. I don't think I can run ata and sata drives at the same time can I? Could I run the OS off a sata hdd and keep the other 2 internal hdds running off the standard ata primary/secondary channels?

blinky

MrBen wrote:

I don't think I can run ata and sata drives at the same time can I? Could I run the OS off a sata hdd and keep the other 2 internal hdds running off the standard ata primary/secondary channels?

Yes you can. I've done it with an Intel 865PE (Springdale) based board and I'm doing it now with my Nforce4 board.

Number_6_3

Netgear

The netgears have gone down to £60. Also they've got Lacie Nas 1tb for £630.

R