6 Drives, 3 IDE Cables

Hey everyone, thanks in advance for the help.



Anyway, I've got 4 drives currently in my computer: my master 40gb hard drive, my slave 60 gb hard drive, my cd-rw, and i have a dvd reader that isn't connected. I also have additional 160gb and 60gb hard drives that aren't connected as well. As stated in the subject, I've only got three IDE cables. I was wondering how I can connect all 6 drives (if need be, less) without having to upgrade my motherboard. My motherboard is a Dell 0C2425 version A01.



I spoke to a Dell Tech Support guy, but I honestly couldn't understand him- his accent was too thick. I'm totally serious.



I'd appreciate a quick response---my two hd's connected have I think under 10gb remaining....not good.

Get an external enclosure so it would connect to your computer through usb or firewire.

buy a IDE add on card. if you just have 6 can use 1 for the two cd drives, and the other two for the four drives.

I don't have any free USB ports.

usb hub?

I could do that, but I don't want to spend a lot of money here. I just wanted to know if I could add more IDE cables without my motherboard freaking out. I think I read somewhere that most motherboards will take two drives per port?

just get a usb extension then, there like ? or $8, plug it in and away you go

Motherboards only have 2 IDE ports, so you can only have a max of 4 drives. If you want more you need to buy an IDE controller card, or hook them up via USB.

Guys, I really just wanted to know if my motherboard would support more IDE cables, but thanks for all the suggestions.

No