IDE Definition

If you're looking for an IDE definition as well as a bit about IDE, you're at the right place.  The acronym IDE stands for Integrated Device Electronic.  This standard has many different names, all plugging into the same motherboard connection.  Originally, they were researched and developed by different companies.  ATA, or EIDE interfaces will work as well in the IDE plug.

The cable looks much like a wide flat ribbon.  When connecting drives to this interface, you must select the drive to be a Master, a Slave, or cable select which will assign either Master or Slave to a drive depending on which plug you use.  Although it makes no difference in speed, some operating systems require you use Master for the primary bootable hard drive.

In the picture below, the IDE on this motherboard is number 10.  The picture below that has the same board, just without the number so it's easier for you to see the interface.  You can also click on the picture for a larger view.

Although this technology has been around for years, and is still on some new motherboards, it is obsolete as far as I'm concerned.  Using a SATA is going to be faster, plus the whole Master, Slave thing is no longer required.  It's much more plug and play.