Overview
This lecture explains the SATA (Serial ATA) standard used in desktop computers for connecting storage drives, its speed revisions, connectors, and the difference between internal SATA and external ESATA connections.
SATA Overview & Revisions
- SATA stands for Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) and is the standard interface for connecting internal hard drives.
- SATA revision 1.0 supports speeds up to 1.5 Gbps.
- SATA revision 2.0 increases speed to 3 Gbps.
- SATA revision 3.0 further increases speed to 6 Gbps.
- SATA revision 3.2 increases speed up to 16 Gbps.
Internal vs External SATA (ESATA)
- ESATA is the external version of SATA, used to connect external drives up to 2 meters away.
- The signal for ESATA and SATA is the same, but connectors are different and not interchangeable.
- Internal SATA connectors are typically found inside the computer, while ESATA is on the outside.
SATA Connectors & Cabling
- SATA drives usually have two physical connectors: a 15-pin power connector (longer) and a 7-pin data connector (shorter).
- Some drives support both SATA power and older Molex power connectors.
- SATA uses a one-to-one relationship: each drive connects directly to a motherboard SATA port via a single data cable.
- Each SATA port on the motherboard supports one drive; no daisy-chaining is allowed.
- Motherboards show SATA connectors clustered together, often with color-coded cables.
Installing a SATA Drive
- To install, connect the data cable between the drive and the motherboard, and a separate power cable from the power supply.
- Both data and power connections are required for operation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SATA (Serial ATA) — A standard for connecting storage devices using serial communication.
- ESATA (External SATA) — A version of SATA for external drives, with a different connector.
- Molex — An older 4-pin power connector for storage devices.
- Daisy Chaining — Connecting multiple devices to a single cable; not supported by SATA.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review motherboard documentation to identify SATA and ESATA connectors.
- Practice connecting SATA drives using correct data and power cables.