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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: GreggBz on May 21, 2007, 05:33:54 PM

Title: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: GreggBz on May 21, 2007, 05:33:54 PM

What IDE expander would the folks here recommend for an A1200?

Should I spend a few more dollars and get
Power Flyer IDE  (http://www.softhut.com/cgi-bin/test/Web_store/web_store.cgi?page=catalog/hardware/accelerators/eide_4way_ide.html&cart_id=2784646_56274)

Or would I be happy with
4-way IDE buffer (http://www.softhut.com/cgi-bin/test/Web_store/web_store.cgi?page=catalog/hardware/accelerators/ide_fix.html&cart_id=2784646_56274)

I guess my primary concern is reliability with a CDROM and HD installed. Will I see any speed reliability improvements with the more expensive one? Are there any other options?

I'm moving to a tower soon. I shall Christin her, "Expensive Hobby."  :lol:

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: amigakit on May 21, 2007, 05:49:11 PM

The 4-way Buffered IDE interface (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=532) delivers maximum 1.1Mb/sec - same as the standard A1200 IDE port.  It is lowcost and easy to fit- we sell them for approx USD $18 with full instructions.

Another alternative is the 4xEIDE interface (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=194) which comes with  UDF DVD filesystem called Allegro.  It is easy to install but delivers standard 1.1Mb/sec performance.  We sell them for approx USD $50.

However the PowerFlyer has been updated now to the latest version, FastATA MK-III (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=192) - it can deliver many times higher performance (32-bit) and has support for very large hard disks (LBA 48-bit).  It fits over the Kickstart/Gayle chips so it is a bitmore complicated to install.  It is a non-DMA device.  It also comes with full software and UDF DVD filesystem, Allegro.  We sell this for approx USD $100.

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: Darrin on May 21, 2007, 05:56:16 PM

I've got a Power Flyer and even though it works great, it is a bugger to fit (relocate the Kickstart ROMS, riser needed for clock port, "dangles" from the kickstart ROM sockets, bends the mobo when fitting, comes with useless cable ties to secure it).  Also, if you want to use an internal SD/FF then beware that the boards can get in each others way (but with a bit more force and bending, they will work together).

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: cv643d on May 21, 2007, 07:41:41 PM

Is it worth getting FastATA if you are going to run CF-card instead of HD?

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: amigakit on May 21, 2007, 07:51:49 PM

You will need a CF to IDE adapter that can do PI0 4 to make it worthwhile.

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: AJCopland on May 21, 2007, 08:03:26 PM

Are there any internal IDE expanders that do offer DMA for the A1200?

Andy

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: amigakit on May 21, 2007, 08:05:51 PM

No- only SCSI controllers

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: jj on May 21, 2007, 08:06:42 PM

no the only way to get DMA access is with blizzard scsi kit

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: GreggBz on May 21, 2007, 08:16:23 PM

The FastATA MK-III sounds nice.

I really just need that and a PS2 adapter to get started.
Unless anyone else has done something great with the original keyboard. I'm thinking that fabricating something to fit into the original ribbon plug would be tedious and dangerous.

I'm thinking a custom full tower case job. I have nice tools so it should be fun.

Title: Re: Which IDE expander for A1200
Post by: VooDoo on May 21, 2007, 08:42:13 PM

FastATA MK-III from Elbox rUleZ!!! I have it and its great!!!