Bootable IDE Card for OWR Macs

[bunnspecial]

I'm preparing to do some heavy upgrades on my 8600, and want to ultimately install OS X Leopard on it(I have a G4 card on the way, which makes this theoretically possible). I've used Leopard a lot and it is a somewhat "bloated" OS. I've found that it really needs about 30-40gbs of space to really be "comfortable."

So, for obvious reasons, I'd really like to use an IDE drive to do this install. SCSI drives that size get pricey. I do have a 70gb 80pin, but it's 15K(I'd like to avoid the noise) and also would prefer to use it on an UW bus where I can at least get some speed advantage from it. I'd expect a good 7200 rpm IDE drive even on an ATA33 bus to be faster than an older, 50 pin SCSI drive.

So, with all of that in mind, does there exist an IDE card that will be bootable in OWR Macs? And, along those same lines, if such a thing exists, can I avoid the limits that exist in other OWR Macs, like only being to install OS X in the first 8gb of the HDD?

Or, even better, will the bootable SATA cards that some folks use in NWR Macs like PM G4s work in an OWR Mac?

 

[Intell]

Yes there are bootable PATA cards for OldWorld Macs. I have one in my PowerMacintosh 8600. I don't recall the brand (ATECH?) but it's an ATA/133 card with large drive support. I seem to recall being able to boot off of a SATA card that I stuck in there once as well.

 

[bunnspecial]

Thanks Intell-you know that I was baiting you with that question

At least I know they're out there.

 

[Intell]

Figured you were. If you really want to know what card that is, I can go dig out its box and get you the make and model number.

 

[bunnspecial]

Figured you were. If you really want to know what card that is, I can go dig out its box and get you the make and model number.

I certainly don't want to inconvenience you any, but I am serious about going through with this project and would appreciate any help that you are willing and able to give.

 

[Intell]

The PATA card I have in mine PowerMacintosh 8600 is the ACARD AEC-6280M. No drivers needed. The SATA card I think I booted from is a generic SIL3112 based one.

 

[bunnspecial]

Thanks again...now off to Ebay.

 

[MacTech68]

Just a note to say be careful with the AEC-6280M.

If it doesn't have the M in the part number it doesn't have the Mac Bootable ROM.

There are methods to convert the PC only card to the Mac Bootable, but the ROM chips are half the capacity on the PC card and require chip swaps and other component changes.

 

[bunnspecial]

I just bought one on Ebay, and yes it is a 6280M(as so marked on the card).

I have to wait for it to get here from China, but that's not a big concern as I won't have time to work on it probably for at least another three weeks.