Dimension 2400 replace IDE with SATA

Hello,

 

I am far from an expert on computer systems, but have some knowledge and experience.  I apologize if I am giving to much detailed information below as this is my first posting to a forum of any sort.  I apprecaite any help that I can get before I proceed.

 

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with a 80GB IDE drive under XP SP2 OS.  Basically, all hardware is Dell Dimension 2400 original.  I have two optical drives as well.  I am looking for advice on how to proceed with either replacing the IDE drive with a SATA drive (perhaps 500GB) and a secondary SATA drive for backup, or to simply add second and third drives (internal and/or external).

 

Since my PC will be 4 years old in March 2008, I want any additional purchases of harddrives to make sense and be of value when I need to replace this one.  I don't wish to purchase new system until needed (call me cheap, but why upgrade until I need to...).  I am not a gamer.  I use the PC for internet, scientific/engineering caculations (compuations), and storage of photos, etc.  As such, its current performance is not an issue, except that I simply need more memory, and wish to have a backup system.  I prefer to purchase SATA for future use with newer PC and SATA technology when this dies or is not upto snuff.

 

Key decision related information:

1.  I do not wish to reinstall software and XP SP2 OS on new drive.  Hence, if I replace IDE drive, I need to copy or mirror it to new drive.

2.  I would like to purchase SATA internal drives - external drives not needed and cost more.  I wish to have 2nd SATA internal drive to image primary drive, or to use with Norton Ghost to backup.  Limited space in tower may necessitate replacement of IDE with SATA.

3.  I realize that I do not have a SATA controller.  I plan on purchasing a SATA PCI controller card when I purchase the SATA drives.

 

I see that I have three options:

Option 1:  Replace IDE drive with SATA drive(s).

Option 2: Keep IDE drive; use internal/external SATA drives for more memory.

Questions for Option 2:  Keep IDE drive; use internal/external SATA drives for more memory.

1.  I have limited space for internal drives, and no open bay for installing one.  Any options/advice - like a kit to install additional internal drives; additional cooling capacity (fans/other).

 

2.  If I keep IDE and internal drives are out of the question and I goto external SATA drives, I have not found inexpensive SATA PCI controller card with good reviews that has 2 external ports and RAID to assit with desire to 'mirror' files (Raid(1)).  Any input?

 

3.  With SATA PCI card, will I see improved performance or will the system behave as if I had IDE drives?  (obviously, no peformance increase from cpu or other).  If I don't have improved peformance, then I see no need to buy the SATA PCI controller card unless the RAID option in the SATA card may trump the performance issue.  Otherwise, I will simply use USB 2.0 until I purchase a newer system with SATA controllers on the motherboard.  Advice?

 

 

Questions for Option 1:  If I replace the IDE drive with a SATA drive:

Is all the 'possible hassle' for replacing the IDE with a SATA even worth while (see questions below...)?  I don't wish to get myself into a mess and spend a weekend or two on this approach.

 

1.  First off - can I even boot from a SATA drive that is beign controlled from a PCI controller card since my mobo has IDE controllers?  

 

2.  If I can boot from SATA, what requirements may there be for the "to be purchased" SATA PCI controller card to be able to do so?  If I wish to 'mirror' two SATA drives that I will be installing, I assume that I may wish to purchase a card with RAID as well.

 

3. Are there any limitations on the size of the SATA drive that I may use? 

 

4. Even if I can install the SATA drive and boot from it, will I see any performance improvements related to IDE vs SATA drive - I ask this because it may assist in making the decision to hassle with the replacement of the IDE drive or not.  I am not referring to peformance relative to the cpu, RAM, or other related peformance issues - I am ignorant of whether or not the motherboard or other hardware will limit the performance of the SATA drive.  I believe that I may see some improvement if I goto a much larger drive, but I am referring to the IDE vs SATA issue alone. 

 

5.  Assuming that replacement of the IDE with SATA is feasible and makes sense, I wish to avoid reinstalling OS and software - hence the desire to 'mirror' or copy IDE drive to SATA drive.  Do I need to mirror the 80GB drive to the SATA drive or can I simply copy files? I assume that I need to mirror - if so, I never have mirrored before and need assistance including where to get mirror software (free or purchase - I have Norton Ghost 9.0, but admit to not checking if it 'mirrors'; I assume that 'mirror' is different than 'image', unless I can create an 'image' and then 'restore' the image to the SATA drive???).

 

6.  Also, should there be any requirements to partioning the SATA drive (I would like to partition to at least 2, if not 3 partitions).  I recall that I may need to partition a portion of the drive (8MB or similar) for OS or otherwise - I forgot the details.  Anything else I may be missing?  For instance, isn't there something required with regards to a 'boot.ini' file or similar?  Also, I am sure that I must do something with the BIOS.  Which brings to question - will there be a BIOS on the SATA PCI controller card as well that may need adjusting?

 

 

Thanks in advance.