Mother Board Upgrade

Basically I want more hard drive space but with my current MB I can only run 4 IDE devices. Due to WD warranties I currently have 3 HDs and want to utilize all of them ( I always run out of space). So I'd like to go a MB with 3 IDE and 2 SATA slots. But heres the dilemma.....My CPU is an older 2.4 GHZ 133 mhz bus. Is it possibly to find a mobo to support it? Can one of the newer ones with an 833/533 compatibility downgrade itself to my slower bus?

For example: ASUS P4P800-E DELUXE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131492

Could that downgrade its bus to accomdate me? I really dont want to buy a new processor since mine is fast enough (IMO). Any help is greatly appreciated.

P.S. At least I know the case I want. Thermaltake Tsunami VA3400SWA Silver http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133139. That ought to hold my HDs.

 

Have you thought about getting an External HDD?

What socket is your CPU?

 

Have you considered a PCI card? They are only cheap, and will allow you to add more hard drives.

 

Q: "Have you thought about getting an External HDD?"
A: I thought about external HD's but I really wanted to stick to internal devices because of space around my comp (enough junk as it is) and the stress I put the HD's under.

Q: What socket is your CPU?
A: 478....also, neglected to mention before Intel P4

Q: Have you considered a PCI card?
A: Not much. I haven't really looked into it very far. Are there any preformance hits to transfer/data recovery rates? Does it have a size limitation to what it will recognize? When I get my new case I believe room shouldnt be much of an issue and with the 420W PS (currently using) I have plenty of connections.

So I guess for a new fancy mobo I need a new fancy chip huh?

 

No, there are no performance issues. In fact, they can be faster as they have their own dedicated electronics and controller.

As far as size limitations, the answer is no. If it's an ATA133 (most PATA ones are), there are no size limits. (as far as todays hard drives are concerned, and within reason off-course)

Unless you want to buy another motherboard or build a new system, a PCI card is your best option.