How to find out the onboard IDE is ATA/66 capable

[Guest]

I have a Dell Dimension XPS_T 500. I can't find the info from its manual that tells the motherboard IDEs support ATA/66.

 

[Guest]

According to the Dell website, the Dimension XPS T family uses the 440BX chipset.

1. Dell likes to use Intel parts.
2. Intel recommends the PIIX4E for use with the 440BX.

It's a good bet that Dell therefore uses the PIIX4 (82371AB) or the PIIX4E (82371EB) south bridge. If that's the case, only Ultra-DMA/33 is supported.

-ken

 

[RamaV]

I beleive he is correct, although i didnt look it up. One thing tho, if you find that you want to get the most out of a new ATA66 HD, then you can always get yourself a controller card. If you havent purchased the new HD yet, you can even consider an ATA100 HD, and get a controller card that can handle them.

Enjoy,
Rama

" He who (BLEEPS) nuns, will later join the church " Joe Strummer, The Clash - "Death or Glory"