#SCSI AND IDE
4 messages in this thread
OK I need some help on this.. I'm currently using a computer with 2 IDE
harddrives and a AT-Bus CD-rom.. Now can I also get a SCSI conntroller and
daisy chain the hardrives as e:+ etc.. And also get another CD-Rom Scsi? Or
do I hafta chuck out the ide's and my curent CD-rom? I would like my system
to be Scsi based but want some suggestions.. Also I've been looking around
and think that I would like to purchase the AMI Scsi Caching Controller..
It's 32-Bit EISA and Adaptech 1542 A & B and BusTek compatible.. it also
has a 1/4/16 Meg chache Memory and ofcourse the FDD controller built in..
So what do you think? Should I go for it?
in case yer wonderin I'm using a 486-50DX with 20 megs ram and runnin under
os/2 but keep switching back to dos & windows..
Yes, many SCSI controllers can co-exist with IDE hard drivers. That is
what I have currently in my setup currently. If you want to get some good
information on the different SCSI controllers available try the IBM
hardware forum. Several reps from UltraStor, Procomm and others hang out
there and give you more detailed information. (GO IBMHW).
Also if you get a SCSI controller maker sure it has ASPI drivers. This
helps in supporting many of the different types of devices out there.
I have two IDE hard drives, and an old CD ROM drive which I will replace
eventually – I have no idea what the interface is to the CD but for
discussion purposes lets assume that it is not SCSI.
I have an SBPro so could use that proprietary interface to add the CD.
Eventually I would like to also add a tape backup, perhaps some more disk
storage.
What are the advantages for me to move to a SCSI rather than staying with
the IDE's and whatever comes with the PC specific peripherals.
– Dan
Dan,
SCSI advantage is one host adapter handles 7 devices directly. It works
with many different types of devices. Scanners, WORM drives, MO drives,
CD-ROM drives, hard disks, ethernet cards, etc.
Also with SCSI devices they are hardware/platform independent. So if you
move to a MAC, Atari ST, SUN (unix Workstation) you can use the same
devices provided they have a driver.
For example I have used my external CD-ROM drive on a SUN, RS-6000, MAC,
Atari ST, IBM PC. Since its a SCSI device its easy to move around to
different systems when the needs arise. Even when they are temporary.
Also some Operating Systems (OS/2) for example only supports SCSI devices.
Performance all around is very good to excellent with SCSI devices.
With a PC you can buy CORELscsi for $99 and it works with many of the
devices listed above. (GO COREL) and download the file MASTER.TXT and it
lists all compatible devices.
Also many SCSI host adapters can easily co-exist with an IDE adapter and
other SCSI host adapters (usually the same make works). So you are not
limited very much at all.
I look at SCSI not as an expense but a LONG TERM investment. With the
introduction by ASPI by Adaptec this has made a SCSI a great solution for
having many devices on one PC. Make sure you get a SCSI card with ASPI
since it solves many of the problems faced when configuring a new SCSI
system on the PC. Also ask a million questions and then a million more.
Its always better to have too much information before purchasing anything
than too little.
SCSI = great performance and a great investment for the future!