2.1.13 SATA Interface - Notes
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard for connecting internal storage drives in desktop PCs. Each cable supports one device and can be up to 1 meter long.
Connectors
| Connector | Pins | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Data connector | 7-pin | Data transfer only, no power |
| Power connector | 15-pin | Power only, including the 3.3V orange wire |
Both cables are required because data and power are separate.
SATA Revisions and Speeds
| Revision | Max Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SATA 1 | 150 MBps | Original standard |
| SATA 2 | 300 MBps | Speed doubled |
| SATA 3 | 600 MBps | Current standard |
| SATA 3.1-3.5 | 600 MBps | No speed increase; added features like SATA Express and Universal Storage Module |
Key Things to Remember
- SATA data cable has 7 pins, and the power cable has 15 pins.
- The data connector does not supply power, so both cables are always needed.
- Maximum cable length is 1 meter.
- Legacy PATA and IDE ports are older and wider, and you may still see them on older motherboards alongside SATA ports.
- Revisions 3.1 through 3.5 added features but did not increase transfer speed.