IDE --> EIDE

[kimmisc]

I built my pc a few years ago. I recently went shopping online for a dvd burner, and noticed there are no longer "IDE" interface versions available. Through my searches, I found IDE is now considered obsolete (things change so fast), but I couldn't find whether or not the EIDE cables have the same number of pins and if they're compatable with the IDE on the mother board. ONE coworker who doesn't know a lot about computers said he thinks they are compatable and to just use the EIDE cable since it has more wires in it. It makes me wonder if "more wires" may equate to "more pins" also.

Anyone know the full scoop on this?

Btw, all my PCI slots are used up. I am really hoping to avoid having to use a PCI slot to hook an adapter into for the dvd burner (If IDE and EIDE don't mesh).

 

[bullseye69]

IDE is 40 wires 40 pin cable and the EIDE is a 80 wire 40 pin cable. all comps are to have been switched to that cable now. but you can still use a IDE cable, it does not really matter. but if i'm correct to reach slight higher thourgh put and less data loss use the EIDE cable. here is a site that explains it better.
http://www.dewassoc.com/kbase/hard_drives/ide_eide_qa.htm#Q4

 

[Rev Lemmon]

You will be fine using and IDE cable. SATA is replacing IDE as the standard for computer drives but IDE isnt dead yet, still not that many SATA cd burners out on the market yet.