difference between dma and pio modes?

[elpipetuanis]

What is the differece between these two settings. I have read some different posts here and really have not got a real clear answer. The reason being is that i just bought a Lite-on 48x24x48 cdrw and it will not work under dma mode. It only works under pio mode. Is there a disadvantage with using pio mode? Is this something to worry about? I have a Gigabyte GA 7vdx+ mobo. I do not have the latest bios meaning that could be the problem? any answers would be great. Thanks!!

[cfitz]

Read through the FAQ, particularly the links provided in the last post by dodecahedron:

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=3032

In short, PIO has the big disadvantages of being slower and less efficient (it puts a big load on your processor). You definitely want to use DMA, not PIO. And your drive does support DMA (Ultra-DMA mode 2, to be more specific).

Read these FAQs for how to enable DMA:

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7625
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=6645

If you still have problems, post back here.

cfitz