The speed of data transfer of hard drives has been gaining importance. Modern equipment, more specifically motherboards, have different connection ports for hard drives. The most widely used port for hard drives, whether mechanical or solid state, is the SATA port. In this article we will explain what a SATA cable is and the different types that exist.
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Brief history of the SATA port
This connector was developed as a replacement for the PATA connector, also known as the IDE port. The SATA port first version it was introduced in 2000, and after that it was revised in 2003, 2004 and the last one in 2008. This latest version is known as SATA III, SATA 3.0 or SATA 6Gbps. Each standard improves data transfer speed and additional functions are added to improve reliability.
Over time, alternatives to this connector have been introduced, such as the mSATA that was introduced in 2011. Its most recent evolution is the M.2 port, which is based on PCI-Express lines, offering very high transfer speeds and adapted to the SSD.
The evolution of technology and miniaturization is causing some displacement of the SATA port. In smartphones, tablets and ultra-compact laptops, they are usually installed by installing flash memories soldered on the motherboard. Some manufacturers of very small notebooks or PCs only use the M.2 port.
One of the reasons is that the data transfer speeds are higher, but it is also because of the size, which is smaller, allowing more compact systems.
What is SATA
SATA is a computer data bus interface that allows data transfer between the motherboard and storage drives and optical disk drives. Who is in charge of maintenance and the standard is the International Serial ATA Organization. Its function is to develop, manage and facilitate the adoption of this connector as a standard.
This SATA connector offers us higher data transfer speeds than the old IDE connectors they replaced. SATA cables are characterized by being simpler than their predecessors and supporting longer cable lengths. We can find cables up to 2 meters in length, but the usual thing is for it to be 50 centimeters.
One of the main features of the SATA port is that it can be hot-removed. This port supports removing a storage drive or optical drive when it is being used.
[irp]What is the difference between SATA 1, 2 and 3
Physically, there are no differences, since all the connectors are the same. The difference is in the transfer speeds:
- HOUR 1: It is the first generation of this data transfer interface and offers a bandwidth of up to 150MB / s
- HOUR 2: Second generation of this data transfer interface and offers 300MB / s bandwidth
- HOUR 3: Third generation of this data transfer interface and the one used today. Offers 600MB / s bandwidth
What types of SATA cables are there
The first distinction that we must make when it comes to SATA cables is the distinction between data cable and power cable. Interestingly, the data and power cables are given the same name. For any hard drive or optical drive, both cables are required. The data cable connects directly to the motherboard and the power cable connects to the power supply.
An interesting aspect of SATA power cables is that they have a 90º angle and a boss so that they can only be connected one way. Although only four cables reach the connector, internally it has a total of 15 connection pins.
Let's see now the most common types of SATA cables in PC
SATA (data)
SATA type data cables are usually characterized by being quite flat and supporting a lot of twisting. We can find cables with straight connectors at both points, and cables with 90º angled connectors to be able to be installed in complicated spaces during PC assembly. These connectors are designed to connect to storage or optical drives.
SATA (power)
All storage drives and optical drives need power and for them we have SATA power cables. The power cables can have between one and four power connectors, allowing to power several units with the same cable.
Modern power supplies typically have multiple cables intended to power SATA drives. In case we need more, there are special adapters that convert this one into other connectors. We have the MOLEX to SATA adapters and the 6 pin PCIe to SATA adapters.
Low Profile SATA
Special connector designed for very compact systems with a very limited amount of physical space. This cable is based on a very simple connector and has quite thin cables. They are also based on one or two very thin cables, completely lacking the plastic sheath of 'normal' SATA connectors.
IDE SATA adapter
This adapter is designed to be able to use IDE type hard drives on modern motherboards, so that an IDE is compatible with systems with a SATA connector. We can also use it to rescue information on an IDE drive.
Micro-SATA (mSATA)
This SATA connector is characterized by combining the power and data connector in the same connector. This type of cable is typically used for laptops and compact embedded systems. These cables are also used for 'hot swap' systems, systems that allow hard drives to be removed hot.
eSATA
Special cables to connect external storage units whose connector is stronger and the system is more resistant. Currently these are in disuse due to the fact that the USB 3.0 port offers higher transfer speeds.
SATA-bracket
ESATA ports socket that installs in the PCI slots of computer towers. These special cables have a SATA connector on the other end that installs directly on the motherboard.
sata-bridge
It is not a cable itself, it is an adapter that converts from SATA to USB. This USB adapter for hard disk allows you to connect a storage unit in a simple way without opening your computer.
Does the twist affect the cables?
Conclusion
Although the SATA port is still the most widely used hard drive connection standard, it is beginning to be displaced. M.2 ports based on PCI-Express 3.0 can offer 5-7 times the transfer speed. Those based on PCI-Express 4.0 can offer 10-15 times faster transfer speed than SATA 3.
As we highlighted at the beginning, the most recent standard dates from 2008, so in 12 years it has not evolved. During this time the data transfer speed requirements have increased dramatically. We could say that due to its characteristics this port is quite obsolete and needs a reconversion.
What powers the SATA connector?
The SATA connector is responsible for powering storage devices, such as hard drives, SSDs and reading devices designed to be connected to the motherboard of a PC. A SATA connector will not power an external USB memory or an external disk reader, since in these cases it is already powered by the USB cable. There are external hard drive readers that connect to the PC via USB cable and have SATA connectors.
Where does the SATA connector connect?
The SATA connector connects between two points of the system, being the motherboard connectors and the hard drive or SSD that we want to connect to it.
What is the difference between a SATA drive and an SSD?
The most notable difference between a SATA drive and an SSD is transfer speeds and power consumption. A SATA SSD is usually 2,5″ in size, so it will be installed in dedicated compartments, if our tower has them. SSDs also tend to have a more limited lifespan, and depending on how they are used, they can last more or less years.
How can I tell if my hard drive is SATA?
Practically, Any hard drive designed to be connected inside a computer is a SATA hard drive. because the connections have been standardized in SATA for several years. This means that a hard drive from an external multimedia player can be reused as a PC hard drive by simply opening the PC and performing a simple installation.