RE: Help needed with PATA and SATA on Sckt 939

Gandalf501 · 3 Jul 2006 at 00:50

I am purchasing an Athlon 64. Sckt 939. I wanted to keep my Radeon 9800 Pro, but might as well take the plunge and go PCI-Express.

However I dont really want to get rid of my old PATA HD's.
I have seen on OcUK a really good bargain

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Motherboards_643.html

£34, Abit AX8 VIA K8T890 (Socket 939)

This means I can save a bit of money.

However, it says it's SATA.

But when I read around, it appears it has 3 ultra DMA connectors.

Now, could I connect my HD's to this?

Would this be the same for all SATA mobos, as all of them must have Ultra DMA connectors for CD/DVD burners....

Im confused...

split · 3 Jul 2006 at 02:34

It's the same as any mobo (2 x IDE + Floppy), but has 2 sata extra SATA ports should you need them. (the SATA ports can be disabled in BIOS)

New mobos coming out for Conroe only have one IDE + floppy connector and the rest are SATA.
Prolly cos SATA CD rom aren't bootable (don't think they are at least)

Another option for you would be the Asrock 939Dual-SATA2 AGP & PCI-Express Motherboard @ £43.42 Including VAT at 17.5%

You could move to PCI-Express when you want (and AM2)

Gandalf501 · 3 Jul 2006 at 03:31

Brilliant, thanks for the info.

Never really heard of ULi chipset. I know nVidia, and Intel. Are they any good?

split · 3 Jul 2006 at 03:48

There is a huge thread here on that board.

Looks OK.