How to Design an IDE setup

Integrated drive electronics (IDE) is the standard technology for connecting a hard drive to a computer's motherboard. IDE is also used for some CD-ROM drives and other devices. The IDE setup inside your computer can weaken its performance if it is not optimal. These steps outline how to design the ideal IDE setup.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine how many devices you need to connect with IDE. This includes each hard drive and any other devices that require IDE connections.
2. Allocate channels according to what you will be using at the same time once you design the IDE. If you have a CD-ROM drive and a CD burner, put them on opposite channels.
3. Match devices according to their speed. DMA or direct memory access devices run faster than devices without DMA capabilities, but DMA only works if all of the devices on the channel have DMA.
4. Buy a second IDE controller or a motherboard with multiple channels built in if you need more IDE channels.
5. Open your computer and install your new hardware. Follow manufacturer directions for each component.
6. Reconfigure your IDE devices according to your newly designed setup and enjoy your computer's optimized performance.

Tips & Warnings

• IDE goes by other names in certain cases including ATA and ATAPI (in the case of CD-ROM drives).
• DMA works faster because drives use the DMA controller for some operations instead of the central processing unit (CPU).
• Be careful when taking your computer apart that you don't electrocute yourself.

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