(
Serial
ATA) The standard hardware interface for connecting hard drives, solid state drives (SSDs) and CD/DVD drives to the computer. Introduced in 2001, all computers for consumer use employ the SATA interface. However, servers and high-end workstations may use the SCSI interface (see
serial attached SCSI).
SATA, PATA and IDE
SATA is the faster serial version of the parallel ATA (PATA) interface. Both SATA and PATA are "integrated drive electronics" (IDE) devices, which means the controller is in the drive, and only a simple circuit is required on the motherboard. See
IDE,
mSATA and
SATA Express.
SATA Data
Version Year Transfer
1.0 I 2001 1.5 Gbps
2.0 II, 3G 2004 3.0 Gbps
3.0 III, 6G 2009 6.0 Gbps
3.2 Express 2013 16.0 Gbps
3.3** 2016 16.0 Gbps
** support for SMR (see SATA 3.3)
External eSATA and eSATAp Drives
Some computer motherboards have eSATA ports for external SATA drives. The hybrid port (right) supports both SATA power and USB devices (see
eSATA USB Hybrid Port).
SATA and PATA Cables
SATA was welcomed by PC builders because the earlier PATA cables usurped most of the room inside the case. PATA connectors were also much larger. This transition motherboard supported both SATA and PATA drives.
External SATA Drive
External and laptop drives use 2.5" platters, whereas desktops typically use 3.5". The 2.5" drive (top) plugs directly into the sockets on this external case without extra wires. "Powered eSATAp" ports include the power, and the drive does not plug into an AC outlet.