Compatibility Problem???

[wjperry]

I am updating a 1 GHz Dell Dimension 4100 by installing a DVD-ROM (ASUS E616P). The Secondary IDE Channel already had a CD-RW (LG CED 8080B). Both devices are in CS mode and the DVD-ROM is in the Master position. The BIOS see both and properly handles the Master/Slave assignment.. The only difference in BIOS is the Ultra DMA mode which is Mode 4 for the DVD and Mode 2 for the CD-RW. Windows seems to handle every thing OK. Win XP has the current transfer modes set as Ultra DMA Mode 4 for the DVD-ROM but Multiword DMA Mode 2 for the CD-RW. When set up this way, the DVD-ROM will not play a DVD Movie that it will play when it is the master drive and alone on the channel (the CD-RW is disconnected from the channel).

Is it possible that the old CR-RW (Multiword DMA Mode 2) and the newer DVD-ROM (Ultra DMA Mode 4) will not be compatible together on the channel? Both have the latest firmware offered by their manufacturers. Any other ideas appreciated.

[doctorgonzo]

Have you tried jumpering the DVD explicitly as master and the CD-RW as slave?

[wjperry]

Yes, tried that and got the same result.

[doctorgonzo]

It is possible that the drives just don't like each other. Perhaps the best solution would be to place the drives on separate channels. Assuming the primary IDE channel has two hard drives on it, maybe you can try putting one HD and one optical drive on each IDE channel.

[wjperry]

Don't think you can mix an optical drive on the same channel with a hard drive. Don't know what I would accomplish since I already know that they work well when by themselves. If they won't get along, I rather spend $30 or $40 and get a newer faster CD-RW.

[doctorgonzo]

Don't think you can mix an optical drive on the same channel with a hard drive.

Sure you can. I have done this many times. What this would accomplish is hopefully having everything work at the same time without having to buy a new CD-RW. But of course, using this as an excuse to get faster, newer components is never bad either! :)

[wjperry]

doctorgonzo

I was hoping someone could confirm that the Multiword DMA Mode 2 used by the CD-RW was not compatible with the Ultra DMA Mode 4 of the DVD-ROM. While your idea might work, it certainly isn't the norm.

Thanks!!!