IDE/ATA Speed Myth Dispelled

[Roy]

A nearby thread raises the suggestion that an IDE buss runs at the pace of the lowest speed device connected.

From an Intel Tech Support discussion:

Quote:

Older Ultra ATA/33 or ATA/66 drives can be easily connected to the ATA/100 interface without modifying existing software or components. The interface will automatically step down to their operating level when transferring data between the host and these older drives. (Emphasis mine ~ Roy)

[Ritalin Kid]

That would explain my slower HD benches... my DVDROM is at ATA33

[Roy]

R Kid ~ you misunderstand. Read the quote again and consider what I underlined.

[KenKun]

So that means if i transfer a file from Drive C(ATA100) to drive D(ATA33) .. the transfer speed of the file will be at ATA33 maximum .. right ?..

[Roy]

KenKun ~ I read it to mean that the ATA100 drive talks to the Host (CPU) at 100 while the Host talks to the ATA33 drive at 33.

[FreakyOCR]

Right.. and if the DVD and the HD are on the same cable... It will be ata33 fromt eh dvd and ata 33 to the HDD.... right?

[Roy]

FreakyOCR ~ Not right. The connection is not between the devices. It is between the Host and the devices. Re-read my reply to KenKun.

[FreakyOCR]

Does this apply to Intel chipsets exclusivly?

[Roy]

FreakyOCR ~ I seriously doubt it. Other chipset manufacturers would not be likely to make the mistake of failing to access the full advantage of the newer speeds.

[FreakyOCR]

If this is true.... then there *SHOULD* be no speed hit putting a DVD on the same channel as a hard drive...

But isn't it so that there is??? I will do some research to better prove my point (if it exists..)