When two IDE devices share the same channel, which device should be set to master?

When two IDE devices share the same channel, one must be designated as the master, while the other is set as the slave. Setting the newer, faster device as the master is beneficial because it allows the system to take full advantage of the performance capabilities of that device. The master device typically controls the flow of data to and from the channel and can execute commands with priority.

The newer, faster device is likely to be more efficient and capable of handling tasks better than an older device, which can lead to overall improved system performance. Therefore, it is advantageous for the faster device to take the master role to maximize data transfer rates and minimize waiting times for data retrieval.

In configurations where devices do not follow this setup—like both being set to master—the system would encounter conflicts in data communication, often leading to malfunctions or decreased performance. Thus, designating the faster device as master is a standard best practice in configuring IDE devices.