Hard Drives: ATA versus SATA

The performance of computer systems is constantly growing, such as faster processors, memory and video cards are constantly being developed. An important component that is often overlooked when improving performance of a computer system is the hard drive. HDD manufacturers have been constantly evolving the basic hard drive used in modern computing in the last 25Year and in recent years, some interesting developments from spindle speed, larger cache, have seen improved reliability and greater data rates.

The unit used in most consumer grade computers is the hearty ATA drives (commonly called an IDE drive). The ATA standard dates back to 1986 and is located on a 16-bit parallel interface is based on a number of developments as soon as it introduced to increase the speed and size of units thatcan help. The current standard is ATA-7 (the first time in 2001 by the T13 Technical Committee (the group responsible for the ATA standard)), which supports data rates up to 133MB/sec. This will be the last update for the parallel ATA standard.

Already in 2000 showed that the parallel ATA standard was maxing out its limitations, which could deal with it. With data transfer speeds by pressing the 133MB/sec mark on a parallel cable, you invite all kinds of problemsbecause of signal timing, EMI (electromagnetic interference) and other data integrity, so the industry leaders got together and came to the attention of a new Serial ATA (SATA). SATA few years, but is intended to "standard" by a number of advantages in this Tech Tip to be treated.

The two technologies that we see are:
ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) - a 16-bit parallel interface to control the use of computersUnits. It was introduced in 1986, has undergone many developments over the past 18 + years, started with the latest version of ATA-7. Wherever an item is known as an ATA device is commonly a Parallel ATA device. ATA devices are also commonly called IDE, EIDE, Ultra ATA, Ultra DMA, ATAPI, PATA, etc. (all these acronyms actually refer to very specific products, but are commonly exchanged)
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) - a 1-bit serial evolution ofParallel ATA physical storage interface.

Basic Functions and Connections

SATA can be easily from their ATA cousins by the different data and power connections were distinguished on the back of the drive. A side-by-comparison between the two interfaces can be seen in this PDF from Maxtor, and the following covers many of the differences ...

ATA standard, as this model of Western Digital 200 GB is a bit 'bulky, two inch wide ribbon cable with 40-pin dataConnections and receive the 5V needed by the family 4-pin power connector. The basic data cables for these units looked the same for years. A change has been improved with the introduction of ATA-5 standard efforts to improve the signal quality to be used by a cable of 80 wires to 40-pin connector (these are commonly called 40-pin/80-wire cable) . To improve air circulation inside the computer system some manufacturers literally bending the ribbon cable and taping refugein this position. Another recent physical change also came with the advent of rounded cables. The performance of the round cable is equal to that of the tape, but many prefer the improved air flow system for granting, management simple wire, and look cooler than they are with them.

SATA drives, as this Western Digital 120 GB model has a half inch wide, 7 "blade and beam" data connection, which translates into a much more subtle and management easier data cables. These cablesTake the convenience of the ATA rounded cables to the next level with its even more and more flexible and more, without fear of data loss. The SATA cables have a maximum length of 1 meter (39.37 cm), which is much larger than the recommended 18 inch cable for ATA drives. The small footprint of SATA ports, creating a space for motherboards, maybe the layout of a simpler and more scope for features on board again!

A 15-pin connector provides powerthe 250mV of necessary power to SATA drives. 15-pin connector for a SATA device sounds like a power cord far greater than a 4-pin ATA device requires, but in reality the two power connectors are just about the same height. Currently, many SATA with a legacy 4-pin power connector for convenience.

Many modern motherboards, such as this Chaintech motherboard, (come with SATA drive connections onboard many even among ATA connectors, as wellLegacy compatibility units) and new power supplies, how to use this Ultra X-Connect, generally with some of the necessary 15-pin power connectors, making it easy for these drives on new systems. Older systems can easily be upgraded to SATA drives with the help of cards, such as the PCI slot SATA controller and the 4-pin to 15 pin adapter support SATA.

Optical drives are becoming more readily available with SATA connections. Take as unit Plextor PX-712SAAdvantages of the new interface, although the benefits to be greater than a comparable optical drive with an ATA connector.

Performance

Besides being easier to install and drawing less power, SATA drives have performance benefits that really sets it apart from ATA drives.

The most interesting feature of SATA is the maximum bandwidth simultaneously. As we have already noted, the evolution of ATA drives, the data transfer rate reaches Viewedits maximum at 133 MB / second, where the current SATA standard provides data transfer speeds up to 150 MB / second. The increase in overall performance on ATA ATA can currently provides that up to 5% (by Seagate), but improvements in SATA technology certainly be improved, too.

The future of SATA holds great things for everyone, even more speed, then as a unit with 300 MB / s transfer rate (SATA II), are readily available in 2005 and 2008 at speeds up to 600MB / second can be expected. These speeds are incredible, and can be difficult to imagine, at this point.

Another advantage of the benefits available on the SATA drives is the ability integrated hot-swappable. SATA drives can be done without shutting down the computer system is not online, which seriously benefit for those who can not afford downtime or want to move units quickly in and out the operation. The higher the number of wires power is partly explained by the fact, assix of the fifteen wires are ready, dedicated to hot-swap function.

Price

Compared with ATA drives, SATA drives can be difficult, since all the variables, but it is generally the case that SATA drives will still cost a bit 'more than one disk ATA comparable. The gap is closing rapidly, and as SATA gain in popularity and availability a distinct shift in prices expected. Given the advantages of SATA over ATA, the potential difference of a fewDollars can be easily justified if you are upgrading. Computer geek currently only a limited selection of SATA drives, but some technical monuments like the Tech Zone and The Tech Lounge, offer real-time price-leader clock, stacked as comparable hard drive.

Final words

The current SATA standard provides significant benefits over ATA in terms of comfort, energy consumption, and in terms of performance. The main thing ATA has now because it is the story ashas been the norm for so long that it is not likely to disappear anytime soon. The future of SATA will be even more interesting is the speed increases will drive development keep pace with other key components of the system for help.

Thanks To : DLP Projector