Hey all, im running windows XP service pack 2, and am looking to upgrade my system. I just wanted to know if motherboards with SATA hard drive interface are still compatible with my ATA hard drives. Thanks in advance.

Yes.

Most new boards only have one IDE/ATA port now so you are limited to two IDE/ATA devices. DVD/CD plus one drive.

Most new boards have at least six SATA ports.

If you are getting a new board you might as well get a SATA drive as the speed is at least 3 times faster.

You will need to reinstall your operating system either way.

Ok, thanks. I was gonna get new drives anyway, but the operating system was on the ata, and i didn't want to go rummaging for the cd. Thanks.