CF to SATA Adapter vs USB Flash drive

[keplenk]

Hi all,

I have a Slim M-ATX casing and it only fits one internal 3.5hdd. I already have an ODD so my only vacant slot is the floppy drive.

I saw that there is a CF to SATA adapter that has a bay that can fit the floppy drive slot (like a Card reader, except it is sata). They said that the CF+SATA adapter will be recognized by the system as a normal SATA hdd. You can install an OS in there and stuff.

My goal is to use the CF + CF to SATA adapter and install Windows XP in there. I don't want to mess my existing hdd.

My other alternative which I've already done is USB XP Flash.

I also made a USB Flash XP (modified some files from the CD installer, etc.) which works fine in my system. However, I need to return this USB Flash to my friend.

Now, I need to get another USB Flash drive so I can install XP in there. It came to me that I can use a CF + SATA adapter instead.

So my questions are:

If I'm going to install XP in either the 2 options: What would be faster?

CF or USB flash drive?


I never worked or tried a CF before. So I don't have an idea if it is fast or not.

I know it is kinda obvious that SATA is faster than USB. But I don't know the limitation of a CF memory paired with SATA and its performance if used as a normal SATA hdd.

Also, I'm not looking for the fastest. I just need to know what is "faster" between the two in General. Not considering the high-end CFs (extreme editions) vs High end USBs so on. Low end CFs will be fine with me.

BTW, I'm not considering Virtual OS. I need XP to be native.
I also don't consider using Esata brackets or external hdds. I just need to be either USB or CF+SATA adapter.

Thank you so much!

 

[her209]

Depending on which CF-to-SATA adapter you buy, there are some compatibility issues with certain brands of CF cards.

 

[keplenk]

Thanks for that info. I never even considered compatibility. I totally forgot about it.

So it still depends? For example, let's assume I'm comparing a high end CF + high end CF adapter and a High End USB flash drive. What will be faster?

I just need an idea on faster it will be?

Or better yet, just tell me what is the best option between the two?

Thanks again.