When to SCSI?

[TrevorK]

I'm sitting here, trying to think of ways to speed up my P200MMX(without buying a new MB/CPU), and I thought of going to a small (2-4 gig) SCSI drive for all my apps/os. Would this speed this up dramatically, or only in a networked environment? I just use this computer for coding, surfing, and a little gaming. Right now, it has 160 megs of RAM, so I think the only other thing that would help would be the harddrive (Without replacing the MB/CPU), right? Or would the difference be so small it would be unnoticeable? And would it make a huge difference if I bought a cheap SCSI card or ?

I also noticed that the small SCSI drives tend to be 5400-7200 RPMs, so could I expect the same performance out of those that I would out of an IDE one of the same RPMs? I understand a bit, about how SCSI can do multiple things at once (Burn, and play games?)...

Any explanations/suggestions would be great.

Trevor

 

[Vinny N]

If your current hard drive is a very old 4500 or 5400rpm drive then, a new IDE 5400 or 7200rpm drive would show a very nice improvement for your system.

There's no need for you to go SCSI.

 

[Pariah]

You would get a bigger performance boost, and you would spend less by upgrading your whole platform vs going SCSI with your setup.

 

[Losty]

well...won't a new scsi controller and 2-3gig hdd cost about 100-200?
i'd rather get a new mobo/cpu ... for about 170 ...

it'll be a lot faster with a new system...and you'll be happier loading those web pages faster...


that's what i think...

if your mobo only supports ata33, which is likely...than a new ide drive won't give you Signifant improvement in speed. (not sure though)

 

[Tsaico]

I run an all SCSI system, and I would agree with the others, for the gains you would receive, it would not be worth the investment. I would suggest at most getting a new IDE controller and a spiffy 7400rpm drive. Otherwise, after the costs of the new SCSi equipment, you might as well have bought a new board and CPU, which would be a better investment of $200+ dollars for you.

 

[jor888]

hmm a Yugo with Goodyear racing tires is still a slow car hehe.

 

[TrevorK]

I'm just scared of installing a CPU. I mean, the only CPUs I have ever touched are just P200's and that at work. I never have to play with our PIII's since they never break. Are they just as easy as lifting the handle and inserting them? What about the fan, I mean, you need thermal grease and that now?

Trevor

 

[authenticate]

Trevor,

I have just assembled a dual-cpu system and it is soooo easy. The only hard part was putting the heat-sink on. This comes with the PIII and you would think that it would be easier to fit. Instead I had to give it a fair push and was worried about damaging either the cpu or motherboard. Eventually it all fitted together very nietly. The components are rather ruggedly designed and assume a certain amount of force needs to be applied. There is no grease required.

 

[Instigator]

TrevorK,
I'm going to have to go with everybody and say that you would be much better off thinking about a CPU upgrade. As long as you have a standard non-proprietary PC case (i.e not a Compaq, Packard Bell, Acer, etc.), you could get this setup for $175:

Motherboard bundle:
AOpen motherboard
K6-2 500mhz CPU $123
128mb Corsair Value sdram for $52

I don't think SCSI is the best solution. If you want to go the hard drive route. I would get a Promise Ultra ATA100 PCI Controller for about $30 and an IBM 20gb 7,200 rpm hard drive for about $120 instead of SCSI. Both options cost about the same, but I think you would definitely notice a speed increase with the K6-2 500mhz setup. Good luck.

 

[TrevorK]

Well guys, I think you have me convinced. I posted a new thread, I guess it's time to upgrade the old girl. After all the money I spend on my cars, I guess I can spend a bit on this old girl.

Trevor