I have a 40 GB 7200rpm ATA 133 Maxtor HD, one 5.1 GB Quantum Fireball (older and slower, perhaps 5400rpm), and a DVD ROM drive

How should i connect the devices to extract the optimum performance out of my peripherals?

I've heard that if u connect a slower device on the same cable, it defaults to the slower speed.

My problem is that BOTH the 5.1GB HD and the DVD ROM are slower than my 40GB HD.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

If your motherboard is reasonably new, it will not default to the slower speed. Generally I would put the big and fast hard drive as the Master on IDE1 and the slower and smaller hd as Slave on the same cable. I would then put the DVD on IDE2 by itself. Chances are you can do just about any combination and it will be okay, but that is the way I would do it.

Budfred

My MB is an ASUS P4S8X.

I'll go with your recommendation. thanks for the speedy reply.

Appreciate the help

I don't think you will have any problem with that board.

Budfred