Re-doing computer again, need suggestions on hardware config

[s2krazy]

Re-doing computer again, need suggestions on hardware config.

I'm planning on working on my computer tomorrow if I don't get called in to work. I am re-doing some of the system (geez only a few months old) and wanted to run a few things by the gurus here first. First the current set up: I have a P4 3.0 gHz, Gigabyte GA-8KNXP motherboard but my questions center on drive assignments with speed in mind

Currently:
C: = 40gb = system files = IDE1
D: = 80 gb = video files = IDE 1
E: = 160 gb = video files = IDE3
F: = DVD+RW = IDE2

What I'm thinking about

C: = 36 GB (new 10,000 rpm raptor drive) = System files = SATA0 or SATA1 ( does it matter?)
D: = 80 gb = video files = IDE3
E: = 160 gb = video files = IDE3
F: = DVD+RW = IDE2
G: = CD-RW = IDE4

If I plan it like this I would have all my drives isolated from each other with only the two video drives sharing the same ribon cable. Since I'm normally using one or the other, I don't see this as a problem.

My planned order of installation is put in the new C Drive and the new CD-rom. I can then install all my system files etc. I'll then hook up my old 40 Gig drive and copy "my documents" over and whatever other files I might need. I can then install the DVD drive, and the two data drives I could leave the old 40 Gb drive in the computer, but the Antec case only has room for 3 drives in the "drive cage" Where else could I put it?

Also, I'm sure it will be improtant that the D and E drives remain the same letter since the video projects refer to this for the projects in progress. I'm guessing that when I install the drive and the CD, I'll have C and D. How do I rename the two video drives after I plug them in and they take E and F?

If any hard ware gurus can offer insight or suggestions it is greatly appreciated since I will soom be on the "dark side of the moon" and out of communication range once I unplug the computer.

Aloha,
Colin

[Jayhawk]

Although you will probably get 50 variations on drive setup, I think the one you have laid out is fine (as long as you don't do copying between the video drives). This is probably a terminology thing but you mention IDE3 and IDE4. Are those the SATA connections?.

You can change drive letters under XP by going to Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Managerment, Disk Management.

[ViRaL1]

When you talk about keeping drive letter assignments, are you not planning on reinstalling the OS? If you do reinstall, then there's no need to worry about what letter the drives used to be. I'd recommend installing all the drives before you start the OS installation. Sometimes adding a new drive (especially a hard drive) can screw up the lettering scheme and may prevent your system from booting properly. You SHOULDN'T have this problem if you have SATA as your primary boot device, but you still want to be careful. Here's how I would lay it out.

C: = SATA 36GB = SATA0
D: = IDE 80GB = IDE0 (SET TO MASTER)
E: = IDE 160GB = IDE1 (SET TO MASTER)
F: = DVD+RW = IDE2 (SET TO MASTER)
G: = CD-RW = IDE3 (SET TO MASTER)

The drives may not be mapped out this way in Window$ originally when you reinstall the OS, but you can always change that is Disk Management. I think you'll see a performance improvement with each device on it's own channel.

This is probably a terminology thing but you mention IDE3 and IDE4. Are those the SATA connections?.

The Abit IT-7 (Max2 I'm assuming since it has SATA) has 4 onboard IDE channels as well as 2 SATA connections.

[s2krazy]

The Gigabyte has 4 SATAs and 4 IDEs. Two of the SATAs are controlled by a Silicon Image controller and support hot swapping, the other two are controlled by ICH5R.

Gigabyte names the four IDEs 1-4 not 0-3 but I get your drift on all the drives having their own cable. This will be a new XP pro installation and I guess I'll try hooking everything up before I boot up and begin the install.

[rallynavvie]

Forget the little Raptors, they're a lot louder than the fluid-bearing system integrated into the 74GB variants. Fry's had the 74GB on sale for $150 after rebate I saw in another post. Damn fine drive for a boot drive, I really like mine. Don't let anyone convince you on RAID 0 for it though...

Put the SATA and the 160GB and 80GB IDE drives in the cage since I'm assuming that's cooled by an intake fan. Most cases allow for hard drives to be mounted in 3.5" drive slots or you can get adapter to mount them in 5.25" bays. If the 40GB is a 5400rpm drive all the better, but even smaller cache 7200rpm models run cooler than larger disks. If you go the 5.25" bay route I'd actually suggest putting the IDE drives in the cage and get a cooler bay for the SATA drive since it'll run hotter than the rest.

Arrange the controller schema as viral posted.