Another SCSI question

[johnnymk]

Usually, when I post a topic about SCSI devices or Direct Copying, hardly anyone is able to answer my questions, but here goes:
I direct burn on my PC using an AdVanSYS controller, a Plextor 14/32 reader and an HP 9110 8X burner. I have no problems direct burning at 8X. My friend wanted me to add nearly the same components, so I got him the same burner, a 12/20 Plextor reader and an Adaptec ISA controller card. The 12/20 reader is adequate for 8X copying, since I tried it on my system.
The main difference between his system is the ISA controller versus my PCI controller. He has Windows 95 and I have Windows 98.
Anyway, he can not direct copy faster than 4X.
I looked at the transfer rate of the card and it is 5MB/second, so I don't think that the card is the problem. Adaptec also says that it is compatible with Windows 95. I don't know whether to try a PCI controller and/or convert his system to Windows 98.

[Jeffbx]

I can't say for sure, but my first guess would be that the fact that it's an ISA controller is probably the issue. The stated transfer rate on the card is probably a burst rate, meaning it can peak at that level for very short periods, but is not a sustaned throughput. Also, if he's still got ISA slots in his machine, I'm guessing that it's not exactly brand new? The processor could possibly also be playing a role...

I would first try a PCI controller, but if he has a PII or higher processor, bump him to 98 as well - it's much more stable than 95.