Disk controller

The disk controller (or "hard disk controller") is the circuit which allows the CPU to communicate with a hard disk, floppy disk or other kind of disk drive.

The most common disk controllers in use are IDE and SCSI controllers. Most home personal computers use IDE controllers. High end PCs, workstations and network file servers mostly have SCSI adaptors.

This article was originally based on material from FOLDOC, used with permission. Update as needed.