Multiple PCI IDE Controllers.......Is it possible?

[Dilemma]

I currently have a pci ide controller installed in my 2nd pci slot. I would like to add another one......is this possible under Win XP?

[reboot]

Yes.
Why would you need 12 drives?

[Dilemma]

I have 4 hard drives and two dvd burners.

[smearbrick1]

Yes.
Why would you need 12 drives?

Why not?

[reboot]

4 hard drives and 2 burners still leaves 2 empty slots...
Better to get larger drives, and partition them.
You're going to need 2 PSU's

[Dilemma]

Isn't 450 watts enough? Also, who do you recomend for a harddrive supplier (Western Digital, Seagate, MAxtor, Etc.)

[zzyzzx]

I think you can get PCI IDE controllers with 3 channels on them. (2 devices/channel).

[reboot]

450w will run the system, probably 4 drives, and peripherals. Beware than USB uses power too.
Try this page to see how much power you need: http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

[Xylob the Destroyer]

my personal preference is Maxtor DiamondMax Plus drives
Maxtor is currently the only MAJOR manufacturer of IDE hard drives compatible with ATA/133, everybody else still only makes ATA/100 drives
i've been looking into SATA drives, but the 10,000 RPM drives are still a bit too pricey for my tastes

[reboot]

I like Seagate. Very quiet.
Others prefer WD.
Whatever you get, make sure it's got the 8meg buffer, not 2meg.

[Poppa_Meth]

Seagate. Cool, quite, 5 year warranty.

[otpw1]

For your amusement- I had two controller cards in a 486 with 6 hds and a cd rom. It ran 3 months before the smoke rolled out of the PSU.

Edit- No pics, It looked like Frankensteins processor!

[JSB]

For your amusement- I had two controller cards in a 486 with 6 hds and a cd rom. It ran 3 months before the smoke rolled out of the PSU.

Sweeeet

no pics?????

JSB

[rallynavvie]

450W should be fine. I'm running way more than that on a 550W so as long as you've got a solid brand it'll be fine.

[lordsmurf]

Do not use two PROMISE controllers at once. General advice: buy VERY DIFFERENT PCI cards, but yes, it works.

[SIRCOOKS]

i have 5hds 4 optical drives ,and all 5 of my pci slots filled, and my computer runs all night evey night on a 600 watt psu.....my recomendation would be to only upgrade your psu to as bib as possible