I am pretty new to all this computer lark but i am eager to learn. I am wanting to upgrade my mobo but all the models I have looked at are SATA. If I was to purchase on of these boards would I also have to purchase a new hard drive etc. I have a new PSU which already has SATA power connectors on it. Is it just a matter of buying the new board and cables or would I also require a compatable hard drive etc. Could some one also explain in plain english what the difference between SATA and ATA is

No SATA is backward/forward compatible (avoiding extremes) and a mobo that supports SATA will sell to a limited market unless it also supports the many millions of older drives that are out there, like yours.

Good luck, and remember, we where all newbies at one time. All we ask is that as your knowledge grows, remember to give some of it back to others who tomorrow will be starting the same journey you are on today.

Anyhow it could be worse - Istarted with an AOL account :-/

I've been an IT Manager and system builder for quite a few years now and I didn't know that either! There's no such thing as a "stupid question"

Thanks for the responses its good to know Im not as stupid as I think