SCSI Card for Plextor drive

[allgoodpeople]

I'm looking at buying the Plextor 32/12/4 internal SCSI rewrite drive, and was wondering which SCSI card to get to go with it. I'm not a heavy SCSI user, and am only using SCSI to take the load off the system while using the burner, so i don't need the top of the line SCSI card. FWIW, i'm leaning towards the IWILL KA266-R MOBO, in case there's any compatibility issues


allgoodpeople

"It's a dog eat dog world, and I'm wearing milkbone underwear."

 

[Guest]

If I were you, I'd choose an ATAPI drive instead. In terms of CPU utilization, ATAPI drives with DMA mode enabled may have even lower CPU utilization than the SCSI counterpart. Believe it or not, Yamaha CD2100 ATAPI version (connected to Intel VC820) has lower CPU utilization than the SCSI version (connected to Adaptec 2940U on the same system).

The only problem is, CD burning may not work well on VIA based mobo with DMA mode enabled. I'm not sure whether it can be solved by driver update or not. My Microstar MS-6309 often causes buffer under-run when DMA mode is enabled while it works perfectly when DMA mode is disabled. If you'd like to get an ATAPI drive, you'd better check with both drive and mobo supports.

 

[Arrow]

Since it sounds like you're going to be using ALL IDE devices except for the CDRW, I'd also recommend sticking with an IDE CDRW.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[Guest]

You don't really need to make a system to be all-ATA or all-SCSI. Provided DMA mode is enabled and running correctly, system with mixed ATA and SCSI devices should perform equally well as with all-ATA or with all-SCSI. You may consider that works like a system with multiple SCSI adapter or with multi-channel SCSI.

If all you want is just an additional CD-RW writer, getting a SCSI writer and a SCSI controller card is simply the wrong choice. It's definitely non-sense to pay more just for something that occupies one more IRQ.

 

[Arrow]

It's not the question of performance; it's price.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[Guest]

I agree with you. However, many people think that SCSI is always better than ATA, or does not trust ATA writer. That's why some people are willing to pay extra for SCSI wrtiers.

As a summary, SCSI writer does not guarantee better performance but it is definitely more expensive.

 

[Guest]

I have the same Plextor scsi drive. It's hooked to an Adaptec 2940U2W. I utilize the drive, ID 4, on the internal 50 pin- Wide- connector. With the current Adaptec BIOS it works at 20mb/sec.It's a wonderful combo, really outstanding.
I know you're looking at costs, the Adaptec isn't cheap, but you'll be happy if you get one. Maybe EBay.
I can use the U2W connector to upgrade my system when desired or add devices to the existing scsi chain. I can pull it and utilize it in a new system. My IDE Toshiba DVD/CD reader, as secondary IDE master, stays happy. The reader (IDE) and writer (scsi) work fine together- CD to CD copying. The WD 7200 HDD is happy, primary master.
I believe you get performance and flexibility by going scsi.
All the best to you.

I want a big American automobile with tail fins!

 

[Guest]

I'm running an AOPEN CDR (bought per Tom's review) along with a Plextor SCSI CD. I am using a Adaptec 2920 card and have no problems. The 2920 is an older model based on Future Domain firmware, but works fine. While Adaptec is more expensive than some competitors, it is also the most compatible. I would recommend you go with them because your next OS upgrade will have support!
best luck!
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