Can I use Sata alongside EIDE?

Q While researching a new DVD-RW drive for my desktop computer, I noticed most of the new models use a Sata interface. I’ve only used the old EIDE type of drives. Both my hard disks are EIDE interface, as is my current DVD-Rom.

Would there be any problems using a Sata DVD-RW drive, bearing in mind that the rest of my drives are EIDE interface? My motherboard is an Asus A7N8X-E, which has a Sata interface.
TikkiRo

A The general answer to fitting a Sata DVD-RW drive is that, apart from the cables, there are no differences between Sata and EIDE drives.

Sata drives are easier to fit as there is no need to choose between master and slave identities for the drives. The computer can also start up from a Sata drive as easily as it can from an EIDE. The specific answer in your case is more complicated.

Many early motherboards with Sata used a separate chip to control the drives. In the case of your board it was designed to work for a Raid array when several hard disks are used together to improve performance.

This may mean that some settings in the Bios may need to be changed to turn this Raid mode off. You should check the manual for your motherboard, either the paper one that was hopefully supplied with the computer or online, in your case at the Asus website.