I tried to expand an old Gateway 8100 server that was running Raid 0, with a new 120GB Maxtor SATA and a requisite Adeptec Sata controller. I could not get the combo to boot (albeit, the bios was '99 vintage and without LBA support). Was able to boot by leaving data-cable off and connecting it HOT (after bootup). .. not a recommended practice. So I abandoned effort.
This probably doesn't help answer your question, but it does remind us to check mobo+bios readiness, i guess.