On 2012/05/23 01:04 (GMT+0200) madworm_de.opensuse@spitzenpfeil.org composed:
Well, a new disk would (should) be SATA.
Not knowing anything about his motherboard or possible plans to replace any other hardware, such a statement is utter nonsense. Absent plans to replace motherboard or add a controller or PATA to SATA adapter, SATA would/should only make sense if there is currently an unused SATA port, in which case it should be the best option. Commonly, old systems that have both types have a minimum of available SATA ports, and it's simpler, or the only option, to replace what's there now with like kind. The typical performance difference between PATA and SATA in systems with only one or two HDs can be as little as nominal or even zero.
If he doesn't already use an 80pin cable and has one to test that is fine. But I wouldn't buy one. Personally I consider any PATA harddisk as "end of life". Unless he is very short on cash I don't think it is worth the trouble with that device.
No PATA HD made in the last decade should be used with a 40 pin cable. I doubt exists any 320G or even 32G Seagate that doesn't specify _only_ 80 pin be used, and certainly UDMA4 & up cannot be supported without one.[1] No 320G HD should be considered EOL simply because it's PATA. PATA is just a slightly slower interface than SATA I, not a technology that should be discarded because a better one exists. Of the same vintage and source, a single PATA vs. SATA in a sustained throughput comparison won't produce materially different results. I'd be glad to take any 320G PATA HDs off your hands if you can't be bothered to continue using them simply because they're theoretically a little slower. [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ATA#UDMA_and_ATA-4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ATA#Parallel_ATA_interface -- "The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation) Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks! Felix Miata *** http://fm.no-ip.com/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org