Replacing Parallel ATA devices with SATA
Posted: Mon 04 Feb 2013, 15:55
Recently I began to run out of working DVD burners with a parallel ATA (PATA) interface to replace those that failed in older machines. In the past it has been easy to find working drives in machines scrapped for other reasons. Current prices for better drives with SATA interfaces are under $20 (US). I was shocked at some of the prices quoted for new replacement PATA drives.
Here's a solution I found from Kingwin for about $10. This will work for either CD/DVD drives or hard disks, just don't expect to gain any ability to address devices which you did not have originally. (Hint: you won't find any 3 TB PATA drives.) If you have space to fit the bridge board behind the drive you can keep that older machine running a while longer without paying extortionate prices.
Here's a solution I found from Kingwin for about $10. This will work for either CD/DVD drives or hard disks, just don't expect to gain any ability to address devices which you did not have originally. (Hint: you won't find any 3 TB PATA drives.) If you have space to fit the bridge board behind the drive you can keep that older machine running a while longer without paying extortionate prices.