Serial ATA

[Nazgul]

I am thinking of getting a Serial ATA drive and have a few questions:

Can you run a single Serial ATA drive or do you need to run them in pairs...and if you can use just one what are the advantages of using them in pairs....?

Which drivers do you use for Windows XP because I heard you need to get them separetly?

Do I need some sort of converter to convert the standard power connections to a Serial ATA drive?

Thnx

 

[FatBusinessman]

I'm not aware of any need to run SATA devices in pairs, nor even of an option to do this outside of a RAID array (which you're probably not going to need). Each device is individually connected to the SATA controller, so no master/slave devices here.

Also I'd assume (but don't quote me on it) that any converters necessary for connecting a SATA drive up to an existing system would come with the drive in question. You'll want to check with a more reliable source first though.

'fraid I can't help you with drivers, sorry

 

[(Shovel)]

Serial ATA RAID arrays are commonly supported by default on new motherboards, since they like to offer two SATA connectors. However, just as with PATA RAID controllers, you can run independent drives as you like.

To my knowledge XP has native support for SATA with SP1. I expect that if there's a "better" driver though, then the manufacturer will provide one.

As for converters: Boxed drives may well come with such luxories, but don't expect them with OEM models. Maplin do them for a couple of quid though.

 

[kameleon]

If you are doing a fresh install of windows xp or 2000 you will need to use an install floppy in order for the OS to recognise the drives. If you are installing one as a second drive then windows xp with sp1 will recognise it.

 

[Ch3tan]

I installed XP on my Sata drive without an extra drivers, everything came on the XP install CD.

 

[(Shovel)]

Originally posted by Ch3tan
I installed XP on my Sata drive without an extra drivers, everything came on the XP install CD.

Assuming that the support was introduced in SP1 - as assumed - then this will vary. The XP CDs are regularly revised to incorperate service packs and major hotfixes.
If the above introduction of support is correct, then Non SP1 install disks will still need the drivers.

 

[Sawtooth]

Mine is single Sata drive. Works fine. Needed to format it using manufacturers software (start-up disc) though before I could see it in Win XP.