Ultra ATA 133 support

Hi all,
I'm currently using a 40 GB Maxtor DiamondMax 540X, 5400 rpm Ultra ATA 100 HDD. It's on a D850GB motherboard and run in UDMA mode under Win2k Pro SP2.
I've been offered an 80GB Maxtor DiamondMax 740X, 7200 rpm Ultra ATA 133 HDD.
Does this OS support Ultra ATA 133? (SP2 enabled support for Ultra ATA 100, but no mention is made of '133).
Currently, Intel Application Accelerator (correctly) describes my HDD transfer mode as 'UDMA-5'. What would the descriptor be for Ultra ATA 133?
What else is there to know to be sure a 133 mode is actually in effect?
Thanks in advance for any info shedding a (green!) light on my bout of new-gadget-itis...
P.S. *Cool* forum's new look and functionality!

2. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
lbyard Feb-19-02 02:10 AM
In response to message 0

>Does Win 2K Pro support Ultra ATA 133?
Look into Intel’s Fast Application Driver. Let us know what you find-out, OK?
>What would the descriptor be for Ultra ATA 133?
Mode 6
Larry

3. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
loxo Feb-20-02 01:39 PM
In response to message 2

Hi Larry,
Thanks for your response.
Had no luck searching Intel's website for 'Fast Application Driver' (perhaps you have a link available?). All I know is that Intel recommends IAA (Intel Application Accelerator) over their original Ultra ATA Storage Driver for P4 systems.
No finds either in Microsoft's Win2k website for Ultra ATA 133, Udma-6, etc.; all they mention is up to Ultra ATA 100. And Google didn't seem to provide anything useful this time.
Did look into IAA's diagnostic/configuration utility under 'Intel 82801BA Ultra ATA Controller' (the IAA gizmo itself?) and it lists '0-1-2-3-4-5' for 'UDMA Mode Support', so maybe I'm out of luck for UDMA-6.
Emailed Intel IAA support. Their prompt response: 'This issue has been escalated to a supervisor' (Guess *I* should have one of those individuals around <g>).
I'll get back with any news. Take care and stay cool...

4. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
lbyard Feb-20-02 01:51 PM
In response to message 3

http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/gb/gb_drive.htm. Larry

5. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
loxo Feb-20-02 08:45 PM
In response to message 4

Larry,
I've used that (good!) link before, it provides latest drivers for the D850GB motherboard.
So I'll guess by 'Intel Fast Application Driver' you meant 'Intel Application Accelerator' (IAA)? <nit-picking not intended>
Back to the main subject, I'll add that no mention of Ultra ATA 133 is made in the IAA documentation (User's Manual, Compatibility Issues List, and Release Notes).
Now, the User's Manual (revision 1.0) is dated September 2001. Makes me wonder when was the '133 protocol itself released...
Also, no mention of '133 in the latest (P18) BIOS version's documentation.
Thx

6. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
loxo Mar-04-02 08:38 PM
In response to message 3

Hi, all!
Believe it or not <g>,
today one of *the few*
talked to one of *the many*
and I got response from Intel:
<...>
Although the PCI Bus supports up to 133 MHz data burst
the IDE controller only supports up to 100 MHz data burst,
therefore the best HDD performance will be 100 MHz data burst.
Intel(R) Application Accelerator will have no affect on this issue.
<...>
I will email Intel's motherboard support shortly
to see if they have any plans to upgrade the IDE driver
(In my case, 'Intel 82801BA Ultra ATA controller').
Meanwhile, after some cruising in Maxtor's site:
(This from a press release July 31 - guess it's 2001):
<...>
The Ultra ATA/133 interface uses Maxtor patented technology
<...>
Personal computer users who want to upgrade
from Ultra ATA/100 to Ultra ATA/133
will need to purchase a compliant adapter card or system motherboard
along with the new hard drives.
<...>
Maxtor calls said adapter card 'PCI Host Bus Adapter Card (K01PCAT133)';
it retails for about 80 bucks.
However, they also offer a kit containing
a 80 GB 7200 rpm Ultra ATA 133 HDD plus said card
for about 200 bucks.
So there's an option right now (anybody would comment on such a setup?).
Hopefully, an upgraded Intel driver will let us obviate the card!
Now, y'all take care.

7. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
lbyard Mar-05-02 01:26 PM
In response to message 6

>I will email Intel's motherboard support shortly
to see if they have any plans to upgrade the IDE driver
(In my case, 'Intel 82801BA Ultra ATA controller').
ATA/133 is most likely dependent on the chipset/controller and cannot be upgraded with a driver.
>Maxtor calls said adapter card 'PCI Host Bus Adapter Card (K01PCAT133)';
it retails for about 80 bucks.
However, they also offer a kit containing
a 80 GB 7200 rpm Ultra ATA 133 HDD plus said card
for about 200 bucks.

>So there's an option right now (anybody would comment on such a setup?).
I would give up and use the drive at ATA/100, or not purchase it. I don’t think you will see enough performance improvement with ATA/133, if any at all, to justify the expense. I would purchase a new motherboard before spending that kind of money. 7,200 RPM will make a noticeable difference even at ATA/100. Larry

8. RE: Ultra ATA 133 support
loxo Mar-07-02 08:44 PM
In response to message 7

Hi Larry,
Thanks for the pointers!
Guess before making a final decision, I'll look for a good deal on a *bare* (no adapter card) 80 GB 7200 rpm HDD.
So far I've seen one for $165 <grrr>.
Or start $aving for a new $ystem with Serial ATA... Should love it when working with those 35 MB CAD files.
Have fun...