Front, because I switch CF cards frequently. Sometimes to transfer data from my modern system to my retro rig, other times to swap operating systems.

I like having MS-DOS 6.22 + Win 3.11 on one CF card, and Win95 OSR 2.1 on another. I used both as a kid (at different times) so I naturally want both now as well. And having a front mounted CF card adapter right next to the 3.5" floppy drive makes this super easy.

I feel like numerous options are missing, like ziptied to the side of a drive cage, randomly dangling in tribute to late 90s cable management, hotglued to the motherboard tray.. ... ....

Number 2: It's easy to access, but not in the way. I like to populate the front facing drive bays with things that either look better or I need access to more often.

#2 (rear mount) for most of my builds. I like having external access, but I find front-mounting looks too obtrusive.

I have an internal mount for one of my builds (DX4-100), but only because I ran out of rear slots.

Definitely #3. Easy access, I can look down and see what system I've currently got in the slot.

3# made the most sense since I have no slots free and it allows easy access and removal for file transfer.

#2 so that I have all the modern convenience but my system still looks "period" in the front.

#2 although #3 would be a good way to fill a slot if missing the blanking plate, as long as I can get it in beige.

"Random dangling" is also fairly typical as I can't keep well enough alone

I wish, one could get #2 or #3 in dual mount.
I have seen one rear dual mount sold in US, but not europe.
https://zzxio.com/product/mca-slot-dual-compa … to-ide-adapter/

This isn't the best way, but it's neat if you don't use a case.

On an 8-bit ISA slot / XT IDE card.

#5 😀

I use #3 but put the 3.5" converter device in a mobile rack.
The reason is that I like my CF card accessable from the front for data transfers on modern PC.
But I don't want that black color which doesn't fit to my beige PC case.
That way it looks very nice like a swappable HDD. But inside I have my CF card.

I can post photos if wanted.

crusher wrote on 2024-06-28, 06:16:

#5 :) […]
Show full quote

#5 😀

I use #3 but put the 3.5" converter device in a mobile rack.
The reason is that I like my CF card accessable from the front for data transfers on modern PC.
But I don't want that black color which doesn't fit to my beige PC case.
That way it looks very nice like a swappable HDD. But inside I have my CF card.

I can post photos if wanted.

I have a #1 in a HDD rack in my 386, just as you describe. It's brilliant.

Usually though, I go with #2 because it's a good balance of cheap and accessible.

I've done #3 once, but those Startech jobbies are expensive, and the beige ones are discontinued 🙁

BitWrangler wrote on 2024-06-27, 18:06:

I feel like numerous options are missing, like ziptied to the side of a drive cage, randomly dangling in tribute to late 90s cable management, hotglued to the motherboard tray.. ... ....

😀 randomly on cable in a period correct position is the way to go, maybe taped to something for good measure if it makes contact with a fan!

Ideally I'd like the front slot for ease of replacement, but haven't found one for a price I'm willing to pay that suits my needs. Have nice 3D printed 3.5" bays with slots, but of course my internal CF-IDE adapters don't match up to the screw holes...

I like the idea of using removable drive bays, that would work and looks more period-correct (although period systems rarely had as many removeable bays as we seem to have - but at least they fill up otherwise empty drive bays we don't have matching covers for 😉 )

#2 and #5, mainly because it’s cheap. Didn’t put much thought into it other than cost to be honest.

Planning to move to #3 (though I agree the lack of beige makes it a difficult purchase!). There is a seller on eBay that sells 3D printed bays but for some reason not in beige either…

crusher wrote on 2024-06-28, 06:16:

#5 :) […]
Show full quote

#5 😀

I use #3 but put the 3.5" converter device in a mobile rack.
The reason is that I like my CF card accessable from the front for data transfers on modern PC.
But I don't want that black color which doesn't fit to my beige PC case.
That way it looks very nice like a swappable HDD. But inside I have my CF card.

I can post photos if wanted.

Please post photos.

Here's my 3d printed front panel stuff.

The black case was tough because it's not a gloss finish, so I bushed the panels with steel wool. Looks better in person that in the photo. I probably should have dusted, too. Forgive me.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5248654
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5248656

I find myself becoming less and less impressed by CF cards for retro machines. Not even for Pentium 4. Always something wrong... Maybe I'm just unlucky despite all the different types and brands I tried. Some don't work period, some work with a certain CF card only.. one of them even caused my machine's BIOS settings to completely reset along with a series of complaining beeps from the mobo (even without a CF card connected)... Meh..

So my vote would go to "none of the above".. Grab a LAN card and use that for file transfer. Not as easy as a CF card that you can image in Win11, I know... This has been my experience so far.

wbahnassi wrote on 2024-06-30, 22:53:

I find myself becoming less and less impressed by CF cards for retro machines. Not even for Pentium 4. Always something wrong... Maybe I'm just unlucky despite all the different types and brands I tried. Some don't work period, some work with a certain CF card only.. one of them even caused my machine's BIOS settings to completely reset along with a series of complaining beeps from the mobo (even without a CF card connected)... Meh..

So my vote would go to "none of the above".. Grab a LAN card and use that for file transfer. Not as easy as a CF card that you can image in Win11, I know... This has been my experience so far.

I only use mine in Pentium and below, and on dos focused builds.
I almost never remove the card, as you say network is much nicer, its more the speed benefit I like.

It depends, but generally I don't need easy access, so usually going with #1. No cables, leaves an expansion slot/drive bay open for something else.