SATA vs IDE

I understand that using SATA is much faster than using an IDE. My question is, if i were to use one hard drive for running my OS and programs and another just for data, do i have the faster hard drive running my OS and programs or holding my data.

Would it take more time to find and load a program, or would it take more time to find a file and run it (but the program in most cases like a WORD document will need to "find" and load up MICROSOFT OFFICE anyways).

Also, my mobo is not SATA compatible. Assuming that i buy an adapter for it (and thereby slowing it down a bit), would i be able to tell the difference in speed between that and just a regular IDE 7200 ATA drive?

If anyone knows the specifics....it'd be greatly appreciated.

In all honesty, I just switched to SATA, and I havn't noticed any performance difference at all. The only area where you will likely see a difference is in the RPM's and the cache. If I were you, I would just use another normal ATA drive instead. Although SATA and normal ATA drives cost the same, you would need to buy a SATA card as well, which is just a little more unneccesary money. On the other side of the argument, SATA cables are much smaller, so if you are aiming for a cooler system, SATA drives will definately help out there with air flow. Other than that...

(Oo;?(I think it's very clear answer. Surely new serial transfer may break through the limit of the pararel one.)

But, ide drives wouldn't catch up with it for the moment. We must consider its essence. If you buy sata card at all, you'd better consider scsi card for further extention and flexibility.

Current SATA is only marginally faster than IDE. Since the cost is pretty much equal, its not worth it to get the additional controller to use SATA, unless you were going to look at RAID and/or 10000RPM drives. If your mobo had built in SATA, there would be no reason not to get it, but the controller is probably not worth the money, so stick with IDE until your next mobo upgrade.

Thank you all!!!! Appreciate it very much.