DreamThrall
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Is it worth the upgrade from ATA to SATA? Is it possible to buy a controller if my motherboard doesn't already support it (Gigabyte 7N400L)? If so, any recommendations?
SATA or no?
- Thread starter DreamThrall
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C
Cybernoid
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Yes, you can buy a controller if your motherboard does not support SATA. I've had SATA disks, but using them was a hassle because you need to have a driver disk when you install Windows. And I can't say that I noticed any increase in performance.
Darkside55
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Let me just tell you, I just built my computer this month, first I've ever built (outside of old dinosaur computers for school), and I got a SATA Seagate Baracuda with it. Maybe it was just because it was my first time installing a SATA, but if you're going to get one you'd better have those damn SATA drivers with you, 'cause installing them was a real bitch for me.
It would've helped if I would've previously known I needed said drivers, but my mobo's got an onboard SATA controller and the Seagate box said that it didn't need any special drivers to work under Windows XP. Their site said the same thing too, liars. My mobo didn't come with any driver disk either; turns out they were on CD and I didn't find that out until I had already DL'ed the drivers off another comp. Hassle, brother, just a hassle.
All that being said, the drive's lightning fast and the SATA cord is tinier than a round cable will ever get, so if you've got a window or are very airflow-concious you might want to consider it. If you're prepared first it's not too much of an issue (once I actually had the drivers everything went along smoothly). Personally, I'd say get SATA. Just be prepared with the drivers and be sure to be on the ball when Windows XP prompts you to hit F6 at the beginning of the installation, too.
It would've helped if I would've previously known I needed said drivers, but my mobo's got an onboard SATA controller and the Seagate box said that it didn't need any special drivers to work under Windows XP. Their site said the same thing too, liars. My mobo didn't come with any driver disk either; turns out they were on CD and I didn't find that out until I had already DL'ed the drivers off another comp. Hassle, brother, just a hassle.
All that being said, the drive's lightning fast and the SATA cord is tinier than a round cable will ever get, so if you've got a window or are very airflow-concious you might want to consider it. If you're prepared first it's not too much of an issue (once I actually had the drivers everything went along smoothly). Personally, I'd say get SATA. Just be prepared with the drivers and be sure to be on the ball when Windows XP prompts you to hit F6 at the beginning of the installation, too.
Asus
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Hehe, I know what ya mean about installing SATA.
I read up about it and was ready by the time the Drive go to my door. It was an easy installation for me I guess. Being ready helps.
There are faster drivers available with the SATA interface but SATA doesn't really give you a performance boost. If you had the exact same drive as PATA and SATA then they would perform pretty close to each other.
You can upgrade to SATA if you want but I'd reommend keeping your PATA unless it is feeling really slow.
I read up about it and was ready by the time the Drive go to my door. It was an easy installation for me I guess. Being ready helps.
There are faster drivers available with the SATA interface but SATA doesn't really give you a performance boost. If you had the exact same drive as PATA and SATA then they would perform pretty close to each other.
You can upgrade to SATA if you want but I'd reommend keeping your PATA unless it is feeling really slow.
