SATA HD Questions

[Frown66]

First time building a computer in about 4 years or so. So its the first time for me working with SATA.

1. On my DFI NF4, there are 4 SATA connections. Is there a general preferred SATA connection for primary? (ie. you typically set your HD as master on IDE 1) I used SATA1.
2. My motherboard has the latest bios (3/10/05) and I installed XP Pro with SP1. The BIOS sees it as a 200gb drive, yet XP only sees 130gb. Even after the install when I enter disk management, it only sees 80gb (I set 40gb for the primary OS install).

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[ksuWildcat]

I don't know much about the DFI board you have. My board has 2 SATA controllers with 2 connectors each. I use the native (e.g., southbridge) controller, as it is usually faster and doesn't add overhead to CPU time. I guess you need to check the manual for your board. Are all the connectors shared by a single controller? That is how I would go about it. If there are two controllers, figure out which one is best. Lot's of ppl here have that board.

As for Windows not recognizing your drive correctly, you need SP1, then re-create your partition. See this link:

EE Link

 

[CrispyFried]

Another link for the 130 gig limit.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303013

 

[Frown66]

: Are all the connectors shared by a single controller?

How can I tell usually? (At work, no manual with me) The 4 connectors are laid out on a 2x2 setting. Its only one hard drive, but hey, want the best available option. I understand you don't have the board, just wondering if there was a general rule of thumb to determine that.

Thanks for the info about LBA.

 

[knothead34]

im going to use hitachi 80gig sata 2 ncq drives and gonna use the nvraid controller. go to dfi-street.com and go to off topic section they go into great detail on raid setup for that board. hope this helps and good luck.

 

[ksuWildcat]

Originally posted by: Frown66
: Are all the connectors shared by a single controller?

How can I tell usually? (At work, no manual with me) The 4 connectors are laid out on a 2x2 setting. Its only one hard drive, but hey, want the best available option. I understand you don't have the board, just wondering if there was a general rule of thumb to determine that.

Thanks for the info about LBA.

Well, look to see if all of the connectors are located close together, or if there are 2 groups of 2 spread out on the board. It sounds to me like maybe they're all right next to eachother, is that correct? Look at the motherboard. There should be printed markings that describe the connector, such as "SATA 0" and "SATA 1", or the equivalent. If they are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 or something like that, it would seem that they all belong to one controller. If you have two sets of 0, 1 or 1, 2 (whichever), then you have two controllers. Odds are pretty good that the ones closest to the southbridge are the ones to use, but that may not necessarily be true.

In any event, good luck! I'm sorry I am not more helpful.

 

[Frown66]

Actually, you were very helpful. Thanks!

Based on that description, they are all on the same controller. (Numbered 1-4 and grouped together)

 

[ksuWildcat]

Originally posted by: Frown66
Actually, you were very helpful. Thanks!

Based on that description, they are all on the same controller. (Numbered 1-4 and grouped together)

Sure thing! Definitely sounds to me like it's just one controller, which is awesome. Plug your HD in #1 and you should be ready! Dang, I need money for that board LOL.