[ale] Linux and a third EIDE connection

[Armsby John-G16665]

Thanks guys for the input.  I am going to go for it.  

John


-----Original Message-----
From: Dow Hurst [mailto:dhurst at kennesaw.edu]
To: ale at ale.org
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2000 12:31 PM
To: Armsby John-G16665; ale at ale.org
Subject: Re: [ale] Linux and a third EIDE connection


Trying the 3rd IDE card is the cheapest way to go.  I would imagine that
if you have an IRQ available that the kernel would not have a problem. 
I have never tried beyond two controllers. 

>From the bootparams man page for LILO:

The IDE driver accepts a number of parameters, which range from disk
geometry specifications, to support for broken controller chips. Drive
specific options are specified by using `hdX=' with X in `a'-`h'.

So this leads me to believe that eight drives are possible.  You have
four devices already, so adding up to four more shouldn't be a problem. 
Each controller will require an IRQ so you have to check for this
first.  You will need a thorough backup keeping in mind that Windows
will screw up it's installation with it's recognition of the drive
order.  I am assuming from what you said that you have a dual boot
system.  You need to read the LILO Howto after checking if you have a
free IRQ.  Personally, I would recommend going with a PCI SCSI card
since you then have more options down the road.  However, if you plan
properly I am sure you can figure this out.

This is a situation where the hardware limitations of the Intel x86
architecture show up.  I don't remember how many IRQ's there are total
and how many are truly available to the user after the basic system is
covered.  3-4,5,7,10, and 12-15 come to mind as available, but I am
guessing at this point.  Anyone have this at their fingertips?
Dow

Armsby John-G16665 wrote:
> 
> I am running Red Hat 5.1 and Windows 98.  Currently my pc is configured
with
> an Iomega zip drive and an HP Travan tape drive plugged into one IDE slot
on
> the motherboard.  I have the hard disk and floppy plugged into the second
> IDE slot on the motherboard.  In short two plugs, four devices.  I want to
> connect another hard disk. I could go SCSI but am not too thrilled with
the
> price.  I could go USB but am terrified that it won't work with Linux.  My
> third option is:  plug in an IDE controller card into a blank card slot
and
> connect the third disk to it.
> 
> Question:  I believe Windows will see the new disk.  Will Linux Red Hat
5.1
> see it?
> 
> John Armsby
> 
> Manager Document Control
> Motorola Energy Systems Group
> 
> 770-338-3772 - phone
> 770-764-5230 - pager
> 
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