Serial ATA issues

Hullo!

So I have a small problem. I picked up a new processor, but my motherboard isn't rated to run that one... mine can only go up to 2800+, whereas this is 3200+.

My problem is, the new motherboards I've seen don't seem to have the builtin RAID functionality, which I kinda need (I have 5 hard drives, a DVD burner and a DVD Reader / CDRw combo drive).

However, most new mobos come with SATA. So, my question is...

Assuming I can plug 4 of the devices into normal ATA, I still have 3 devices left. Is there any way I can use the SATA to plug PATA devices in? That is, is there a convertor? Or do I need to buy an ATA133 PCI card?

A.

 

Yes, PATA hard drives can be used on SATA controllers, with an adapter to interface them. Adapters are out there, but I don't know how common or easy to find. ATAPI drives (CDROM, etc.) should stay on the PATA controllers AFAIK.

RAID functionality is common with the onboard SATA controllers out there, if you want a RAID array, look closely at the specs. Shouldn't be that hard to find.

 

Have you checked your motherboard maker's website to make sure there isn't a BIOS update that will run a 3200+ processor?

I think G.T. is confused. He has it backwards. I don't think you can plug PATA drives into SATA ports. (I could be wrong though)

And, as Halo said, most motherboard manufacturers put RAID cards on their higher end motherboards. And some of the newest ones even come with 3 PATA ports and 2 SATA ports. (although that might only be on some AMD 64 based mobos)

 

It's not common, but is being done. Requires a converter; you obviously can't just plug it in.

http://www.tomshardware.com/storage/20030204/serial_ata-01.html

 

I stand corrected.