I'm getting a Pioneer DVR-106BK DVD writer for data backups.
I have a bunch of 40 wire IDE cables, but only a small
handful of 80 wire IDE cables--all currently in use.
I don't really understand the benefits of 80 wire cables,
other than noticing a distinct speed improvement on my
larger hard drives when using them.

Is there any benefit to using an 80 wire IDE cable for
a 4X DVD writer? If not, then I'd rather use that 80 wire
cable for another computer's hard drives.

In particular, if an 80 wire IDE cable may improve
reliability, then I'm definitely putting the DVD writer
on one. I can live with slower hard drive performance
on my file server if it means more reliable DVD writing.

My computer setup, if it matters, is a P4 Celeron 2.5Ghz
with 256Mb RAM. The primary IDE is connected via 80 wire
ribbon cable to an 8Gig Seagate boot drive (Win98) and
a 100Gig Maxtor data drive. The secondary IDE is where
I will attach the Pioneer DVD writer.

My future plans are to backup all the data off the 100Gig
drive, and then move it to my file server (a PIII550).
That will leave my main PC with just the 8Gig boot drive
to minimize noise.

I will keep the 8Gig hard drive and the DVD writer on
separate IDE channels--that will give the best performance
and most reliable DVD writing, right?

Thanks!

Isaac Kuo

"Isaac Kuo" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm getting a Pioneer DVR-106BK DVD writer for data backups.
> I have a bunch of 40 wire IDE cables, but only a small
> handful of 80 wire IDE cables--all currently in use.
> I don't really understand the benefits of 80 wire cables,
> other than noticing a distinct speed improvement on my
> larger hard drives when using them.
>
> Is there any benefit to using an 80 wire IDE cable for
> a 4X DVD writer? If not, then I'd rather use that 80 wire
> cable for another computer's hard drives.

Isaac--
Even though the DVDR may not be ATA66/100/133; there's still a small
benefit to using an 80-wire IDE cable. Those extra 40 wires act as
shielding /isolation between the data lines; which results in
cleaner signals. It's not just in the cable itself; it also helps
with reducing interference from other cabling inside your PC.

I've started using 80-wire cables in all my later machines; doesn't
matter what speed the IDE ports are rated . I don't have any
outright proof; but I'd swear that overall operation has improved. I
do know that the audio's cleaner.

Price shouldn't be a big issue; I often find used flat 80-wire
cables for US $.50 at shops that do upgrades.

Be aware that many of the cheaper "rounded cables" are junk.

"Isaac Kuo" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm getting a Pioneer DVR-106BK DVD writer for data backups.
> I have a bunch of 40 wire IDE cables, but only a small
> handful of 80 wire IDE cables--all currently in use.
> I don't really understand the benefits of 80 wire cables,
> other than noticing a distinct speed improvement on my
> larger hard drives when using them.
>
> Is there any benefit to using an 80 wire IDE cable for
> a 4X DVD writer?

The short answer is no. Save the 80-pin cable for UATA/66/100/133 hard
disks.

R. Asby Dragon wrote:

> I
> do know that the audio's cleaner.
>

Isn't the audio run though a seperate wire to the sound card?

--

Stacey

"Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:c0hl0k$17cikn$(E-Mail Removed)...
> R. Asby Dragon wrote:
>
> > I
> > do know that the audio's cleaner.
> >
>
> Isn't the audio run though a seperate wire to the sound card?

Remember what I said about crosstalk between "other cables" ?? The
inside of a PC isn't the cleanest environment for electrical noise.

Also; Win XP allows ("with appropriate hardware") digital playback
via the ribbon cable itself ; no analog or SPDIF cables needed.

Thanks, everyone for your suggestions and explanations!

I'm going to stick with the 80 wire cable on the DVD burner
for now. When I move my 100Gig drive to my file server,
I will get a new 80 wire cable.

Isaac Kuo