How can I have 5 drives? (somewhat o/t)

[Gameshow Host]

When I got my capture card, I also bought a hard drive for capturing, I replaced my ZIP drive with the new hard drive for the time being.

But I really would like to have my ZIP drive plugged in too. That would mean having 5 drives (DVD, CD, HD1, HD2 + ZIP) I don't know any way of connecting 5 drives to a computer, when there are only 2 IDE ports and 2 drives allowed per port (slave and master).

Anyone know if this can be done? Thanks.

[Craig Tucker]

You can buy PCI expansion cards that give you extra IDE channels.
Or alternatively a raid expansion card, CCL computers sell these for £26 + vat

Craig

[Gameshow Host]

Thanks!

[mikerios]

just remember when you do buy and expansion car each addtional IDE channel uses up another IRQ. This is not always as problem as IRQs can be shared under 98/2000/XP. Or you can convert the drive(s) to firewire. Go to www.caloptic.com for the converter. Plus the converter lowers cpu utilization.