EIDE, PATA = 133mb/s transfer rate
SATA = 155mb/s transfer rate
so sata is better, sata also has a much smaller interface cable. SATA is pritty standard on new bourds. dont know how old yours is.
but neither of those 2 actually run at those fastest speeds, there actual transfer rates are a little lower.
theres nota huge data speed difference as u can see, but SATA is a little better. if your looking for the best price per gig wise HD though, PATA drives seem to have a lot of sales and are realy cheap for the price compaired to SATA somtimes. so if your a performance nut, ud wont SATA, if youra value for your buck nut, ud wont PATA.