IDE HardDrive vs. USB 2.0
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Thread: IDE HardDrive vs. USB 2.0

  1. #1
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    IDE HardDrive vs. USB 2.0

    I debated with my friend. Which one is faster - USB or a 7200rpm IDE? I say IDE hard drive.

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    The internal is much faster than USB. That is if you cross the ide channels. Then you can get about 1GB per minute. Now if you go from one partition to another on the same hdd or another hdd on the same ribbon, then it is posible the USB can be faster. Depending on which of the 3 USB speeds is involved.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Train
    The internal is much faster than USB. That is if you cross the ide channels. Then you can get about 1GB per minute.
    Understand and agree on this.

    Quote Originally Posted by Train
    Now if you go from one partition to another on the same hdd or another hdd on the same ribbon, then it is posible the USB can be faster.
    Agree on this too since it involves I/O bottleneck.

    Quote Originally Posted by Train
    Depending on which of the 3 USB speeds is involved.
    Sorry, but what do you mean by this. I only know of USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. Is there a USB 1.0?

    Thanks Train
    Last edited by Falcon Speed; March 19th, 2005 at 04:44 AM.

  4. #4
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    IDE is the way to go

    The internal drive would stomp all over the USB drive in terms of speed.

  5. #5
    DrMDJ is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Falcon,

    Within the USB 1.1 and 2.0 specifications there are three categories defined for speed (max speed). USB 1.1 provides for what are called "low speed" devices/transfers which have a max transfer rate of 1.5 megabits per second, and "full speed" devices/transfers which have a max transfer rate of 12 megabits. USB 2.0 then adds an additional (but includes the original two) category called "high speed" devices/transfers which have a max transfer rate of 480 megabits.

    By default the more recent IDE devices, supporting Ultra 66 type transfers and above, have the potential to be much faster than any device connected via USB as the potential bandwidth available on IDE channels is much higher than on the USB bus. And generally speaking in practice internal IDE drives will in fact perform much faster than external, usb connected ones. However, because there are several factors that can effect actual/recognized throughput it is posible for there to be a situation where a USB attached drive would perform better than an internal one.
    Last edited by DrMDJ; March 19th, 2005 at 07:56 AM.
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  6. #6
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    Falcon, I appologize for leaving out what the good Dr. posted.

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    Like always, thanks Doc!

    No problem Train.

    Thank you to you and Charles too.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Train View Post
    The internal is much faster than USB. That is if you cross the ide channels. Then you can get about 1GB per minute.
    I am quite familiar with computer hardward, however I had not heard of this practice. Could someone please, explain to me how one goes about 'Crossing IDE Channels', or a reference to get more information about this idea?

    Thank You Everyone!

  9. #9
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    I believe he means two separate IDE drives hooked up to two separate IDE connectors on the motherboard.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by SpywareDr View Post
    I believe he means two separate IDE drives hooked up to two separate IDE connectors on the motherboard.
    That is it, with each drive hooked to a different ribbon.

    Definately worth while if you are dealing with GB size files.

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