Computer Problems? Computing.Net has over 1,000,000 posts about all things technology related! Over 90% answered within 24 hours! Click here to start participating now! Also, be sure to check out the New User Guide.
EIDE backward compatible with IDE?
Name: suspect52732 Date: May 15, 2008 at 14:13:29 Pacific OS: XP CPU/Ram: 512 Product: Dell Dimension
Comment:
I have 2 Dell Dimension 2400 systems that I am working on. Both have IDE. I was looking to install two EIDE DVD Burners in them. Is EIDE backward compatible with IDE? I know that USB 2.0 devices will work in USB 1.0, they just downgrade to use the 1.0. Does EIDE do the same?
Name: OtheHill Date: May 15, 2008 at 15:26:21 Pacific
Reply:
IDE/EIDE/ATA/ATAPI are basically all compatible. Like RAM, installing a faster transfer mode drive in a system with slower transfer controllers will result in the drive maxing out at the slower speed.
The fastest any burners run is 66Mbps anyway. Be sure to use an 80 wire 40 pin cable (the colored ones).
0
Response Number 2
Name: suspect52732 Date: May 15, 2008 at 19:36:14 Pacific
Reply:
Gosh OtheHill, I can't believe you still post on here. I have used this site for probably 6 years and the one prominent memory I have of this website is that you have always offered amazing support and solutions. Normally, I would take others opinions on this forum as just that, opinions. But, hearing it from you I know I can count on the correct answer. Thanks so much, once again!
P.S. If you have an extra minute, I could really use your help on my other posted question!
Name: DAVEINCAPS Date: May 15, 2008 at 19:47:43 Pacific
Reply:
EIDE has been around for quite awhile--since at least the pentium I era. EIDE (or ATA-2) was what the second generation of the IDE controllers were called. There are now several ATA standards and "IDE" is just a generic term comprising all of them. I'm sure your Dells are EIDE compliant.
Summary: The new drive should perform satisfactorily. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. It may not run at it's highest potential, but should be backwards compatible with your Ultra DMA controller. If not, ...
Summary: I have a working slot 1 mobo with a BX chipset. The manual says that it can accept up to a 450Mhz processor however does not mention anything about SEC. I want to upgrade by removing the existing 300...
0 
