On Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 2:12 AM, Axel Dörfler<axeld@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Niels Reedijk <niels.reedijk@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: >> I might have missed it, but up to now there hasn't been a decision on >> ATA vs. IDE. I doubt that this is a matter to be voted over, but >> rather one that requires a technical discussion between those that >> know. >> >> What I do suggest is to resolve the question which one to use ASAP, >> especially if it turns out to be ATA, in which case the nightlies can >> be switched so that it can be tested by a larger group of people. > > Both have their pros and cons: > ATA: > - not as well tested > - does make my EeePC hang (during ATA reset) > + works on my desktop, where IDE does not (crashes) > + solved an interrupt race condition in ata_adapter > + cleaner/simpler code > > IDE: > - does crash on some hardware > + supposed to be faster than ATA > + is well tested on a variety of hardware > > So our options would be: a) fix interrupt race, and crashing bug in > IDE, or b) have ATA more tested, and resolve issues on EeePC (and > probably others that show up during testing). > Oh, and we would need to find someone actually doing the work :-) It seems ATA is already working on more machines (this is my personal experience, as I have 2-3 machines that fail to boot at all with IDE, and every machine I've tested works with ATA so far). As far as testing: I've been using ATA exclusively on all machines I test now... for months. And I know I'm not alone. But it seems we can't get it widely tested without actually switching to it by default :P I have heard several people ask why it's not the default in IRC. Is there *really* a good answer for them? > - does make my EeePC hang (during ATA reset) This is still the only instance I've heard where it doesn't work on a machine while IDE does ;) I believe using ATA will make a much better option for Alpha personally - even in its current state. - Urias