using an IDE cable the "wrong" way...

H

hartman

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 16, 2006
Messages
168
Is it possible to link a DVD drive and a hard drive by a different configeration that what they are labeled? For example, plugging the "system board' end into the DVD drive, the "slave" end to the IDE HD, and the "master" end into the motherboard?
 
lol, I thought he meant like to file the key guide off so it would git in the IDE connector backwards, believe that results in fire. :D
 
It should work just as long as you keep the Pin 1 consistant. For instance if the Pin 1 on the cable (red cable) is backwards on the system end, make sure that it is backwards for the DVD and HD. You will have to cut off or file down the outdent that prevents you from putting it in the wrong way. And no, if you get it wrong, it doesn't result in fire, it just won't work.
 
You are right, if you swap it on both ends you are ok, but if you only swap one you are screwed as you supply power to the wrong pins, and poof your ribbon calbe ignites :)
 
mrmagoo_83 said:
You are right, if you swap it on both ends you are ok, but if you only swap one you are screwed as you supply power to the wrong pins, and poof your ribbon calbe ignites :)
Click to expand...

It may be possible, but I don't think it would come anywhere close to igniting, much less damaging anything. If you look at the PATA spec I don't see any power going through the cable, that is supplied by the PSU connectors:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_Drive_Electronics#Parallel_ATA_interface
 
Its not like a huge fire or anything by no means, but I have seen flames from it. I did this once by accident, and then a few times for fun.
 
Here's how it's supposed to be connected:

System board end to motherboard
Primary end to DVD drive
Slave end to IDE drive

Here's how I want to do it:
Primary end to IDE drive
Slave end to Motherboard
System board to DVD drive

See any problems with that?
 
hartman said:
Here's how it's supposed to be connected:

System board end to motherboard
Primary end to DVD drive
Slave end to IDE drive

Here's how I want to do it:
Primary end to IDE drive
Slave end to Motherboard
System board to DVD drive

See any problems with that?
Click to expand...

Just so long as you keep the red wire (pin 1) in the same direction for all connections it should work.
 
Make sure you jumper the drives for master and slave and not cable select. I have seen IDE cables reversed at one end many times. I have done it myself by accident a few times and I have never seen it damage anything.
 
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