Wiring diagram for SATA - power connector and hard drive power connector - SATA. Serial ATA interface - what is it, types and use

Installing an SSD in a system with SATA 3 Gb/s | Still a great way to upgrade your PC?

There are many ways to improve PC performance. But usually, the most effective thing is to replace components. Overclocking also remains popular. However, previously it gave a more noticeable increase in speed for the CPU, GPU and memory. Take a Celeron 300A, overclock to 450 MHz and get a 50% boost. To get something like this you need to overclock it to 5.25 GHz. But even then, there is no guarantee that desktop applications will scale as well.

In addition, we have already burned enough computer hardware to fully experience the risks associated with overclocking (that is why in reviews of motherboards with Intel seventh series chipsets we stick to the processor voltage of 1.35 V). Manipulating reference frequencies, multipliers, voltages, and latency can harm the stability of your system.

If you are happy with the processor and motherboard, you can balance the system for optimal performance by using a more modern video card, increasing the amount of RAM, and installing a solid-state drive. Today the focus is on SSDs, which often cost less than $1/GB and are now cheaper than ever. We've said it before and we'll say it again today: if you don't already have an SSD, buy one. It will change the way you think about system responsiveness.

Modern SSDs are already hitting the throughput ceiling of the SATA 6Gb/s interface, while the speed of mechanical hard drives has hardly increased over the past five years. Many SSDs easily reach 550 MB/s sequential transfer rates, but more importantly, they handle real-time random I/O with agility. An SSD can process orders of magnitude more requests per second than conventional storage media (tens of thousands versus several hundred).

You can spend all day scattering around, but the fact is that an SSD is a worthwhile upgrade for those who only use HDD in their system, and the numbers back it up. With an SSD, launching Windows and applications is faster, as is moving files.

But is the old SATA 3Gb/s interface enough for a modern SSD with SATA 6Gb/s?

We ask ourselves this question every time when mid-class motherboards run out of SATA 6 Gb/s connectors (ed.: We are currently capturing video on an array of four Crucial m4, connected to 3 Gbps connectors). What if your old system only supports the previous generation standard? Was it worth the upgrade? Considering that the fastest SSDs are often constrained by the width of the SATA 6 Gb/s interface, it is logical to assume that 3 Gb/s will "cut" performance. But how much? Will the difference be noticeable in practice, or only in test results? Do I need to update the drive controller?

In search of answers to these questions, we took Samsung 840 Pro, connected it to the 6 Gbps connector, and then to the previous generation connector. Since these Samsung drives are considered to be some of the fastest drives out there right now, these results apply to most high-end SSDs on the market. Please note that we are not testing the SATA 1.5 Gbps port. It would be interesting to add this interface for comparison, but it takes us back to about 2005. If your PC is already eight years old, it's time to think about buying a new one.

Installing an SSD in a system with SATA 3 Gb/s | Test stand and benchmarks

For today's testing we are using Samsung 840 Pro MZ-7PD256 based on the company’s own S4LN021X01-8030 NZWD1 controller with support for SATA 6 Gb/s (also known as MDX), using a triple-core Cortex-R4 processor. The chip is complemented by a 512 MB DDR3 data cache. There are also non-Pro models with three-level memory cells, but their speed and endurance are lower than older models with 21-nanometer NAND memory with multi-level cells. Samsung provides a five-year warranty for the 840 Pro line.

According to Samsung sequential read speed Samsung 840 Pro reaches 540 MB/s, recording - 520 MB/s. It should provide up to 100,000 random I/O operations in 4 KB blocks per second. The 256GB model is currently selling for $230 on Amazon. There are also 128 and 512 GB versions for $140 and $460 respectively.

Specifications Samsung SSD 840 Pro

Test bench and software

We used a test bench running Windows 7 with a Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3 motherboard, an Intel Core i5-2500K processor and 4 GB of Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D memory. The SSD was connected to the first 6 Gbps slot, and we were able to switch it to 3 Gbps mode in the Gigabyte firmware.

We chose a hard drive as a basis for comparison. VelociRaptor is a 2.5" drive in 3.5" format, its capacity is 1 TB. With a spindle speed of 10,000 rpm and 2.5" platters, it showed the highest speed among competing hard drives. Read more in our article "Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ: test and review of the updated version of the fastest HDD" .

Installing an SSD in a system with SATA 3 Gb/s | Test bench and benchmarks for real tasks

In addition to the usual synthetic benchmarks, we have added more realistic tests. To create many tasks typical for everyday use, we switched to Professional 64-bit.

Real tests:

1. Loading . The countdown begins when the POST screen shows zeros and ends when the Windows desktop appears.
2. Shutdown. After three minutes of work, we turn off the system and begin the countdown. The timer stops when the system is turned off.
3. Download and Adobe Photoshop. Once loaded, the batch file launches the Adobe Photoshop CS6 image editor and loads a photo with a resolution of 15,000 x 7,266 pixels and a size of 15.7 MB. After Adobe Photoshop closes. The countdown begins after the POST screen and ends when Adobe Photoshop is turned off. We repeat the test five times.
4. Five applications. Once downloaded, the batch file launches five different applications. The countdown begins when the first application is launched and ends when the last one is closed. We repeat the test five times.

Script sequence for testing five applications:

• Load a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and then close Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Launch the Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 command line renderer and render the image at 100x50 pixels. The picture is so small because we are testing SSD, not CPU.
• Running the benchmark built into ABBYY FineReader 11 and converting a test page.
• Launching the benchmark built into MathWorks MATLAB and executing it (once).
• Launch Adobe Photoshop CS6 and load the image used in the third realistic benchmark, but in the original TIF format with a resolution of 29,566 x 14,321 pixels and a size of 501 MB.

Test bench for real problems

Installing an SSD in a system with SATA 3 Gb/s | Test results

Sequential I/O speed

As expected, the SATA 3 Gb/s interface turned out to be a bottleneck for Samsung 840 Pro during sequential read and write operations. The SSD opens up more widely on the 6 Gbps channel. U Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ also a high result for a mechanical disk. Through a 6 Gbps bus, its speed exceeds the 200 MB/s bar.

The CrystalDiskMark 3.0 benchmark confirms the AS-SSD results. Please note that sequential reading and writing in these tests occurs with large amounts of data. Under Windows, most I/O operations are random. Sequential operations are the exception rather than the rule here.

Access time

On average, the VelociRaptor 3.5" finds requested AS-SSD data in seven milliseconds. This is fast for an HDD and is associated with a spindle speed of 10,000 rpm. However, the drive Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ doesn't even come close to the speed of an SSD, which is two orders of magnitude faster. Its performance is already measured in microseconds. At the same time, when measuring access time, we do not see any practical difference between SATA 3 and 6 Gbit/s.

Speed ​​of random operations in 4 KB blocks

AS-SSD: random read/write in 4 KB blocks

This benchmark is the most important for understanding real-world performance. When randomly reading and writing in 4 KB blocks, the fastest HDD is simply not able to compete with an SSD. When connected to a 6 Gbps port Samsung 840 Pro showed a slightly higher result than with the 3 Gbps connector. Writing is 20 MB/s faster, and reading is only 2 MB/s.

Increasing queue depth gives the SSD more commands to process at once, and this is where the wider interface really provides an advantage. However, for the most part, this is theory. In desktop environments, the queue depth rarely reaches 32 or more teams.

However, random write and read speeds over the 6 Gbps bus are at least 1.5 times faster.

CrystalDiskMark: random read/write in 4 KB blocks

The CrystalDiskMark numbers say the same as the previous test. The advantage of the SATA 6 Gbit/s standard over 3 Gbit/s with a low queue depth, typical of most desktop systems, is small and is only clearly visible with the high queue depth inherent in server environments. In a typical PC or laptop, the storage subsystem mainly works with one to four commands.

Iometer: random read/write in 4 KB blocks

The Iometer results are slightly different from the previous two tests, although the general trend remains the same. Samsung 840 Pro works a little faster when connected to the 6 Gbps connector, especially when reading.

Speed ​​of random operations in 512 KB blocks

Through the SATA 6 Gbit/s interface, writing and reading data in 512 KB blocks is slightly faster than through 3 Gbit/s. Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ It performed well in the write test, but in reading it lagged far behind even an SSD connected via a slower interface.

Tests of various I/O profiles

We used the database, web server and workstation profiles in Iometer. They simulate certain access patterns characteristic of each environment.

Samsung 840 Pro performed the same in database and workstation tests, regardless of the SATA 3 or 6 Gb/s connector. However, the web server test noticeably benefits from the wider interface, almost doubling the result obtained over the 3 Gbps bus.

PCMark 7 and tracing

In PCMark 7 when connected to a 6 Gb/s connector, performance Samsung 840 Pro higher, although the difference is insignificant.

The analysis shows that loading applications and importing images into Windows Photo Gallery via SATA 6Gb/s is faster than via SATA 3 Gb/s. But even over the old connection, the SSD is twice as fast as the hard drive.

In games, the performance of the drive through the 6 Gb/s connector is slightly higher.

PCMark Vantage

PCMark Vantage is older than PCMark 7. However, it demonstrates a significant advantage of the SATA 3 interface.

Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ managed to take second place in the media center test. But the conclusion remains the same: SSDs, regardless of connection type, are significantly ahead of the best HDDs.

AS-SSD Copy Benchmark

In the AS-SSD test, Samsung 840 Pro when connected to SATA 6 Gbit/s, it exceeds the result obtained on the 3 Gbit/s bus by almost two thirds.

Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ connects to a SATA III connector, but its mechanical design clearly limits performance.

Meanwhile, when comparing the results Samsung 840 Pro, it becomes clear that the SSD is limited by the capabilities of the old interface. But in any case, the performance of an SSD over SATA II is significantly higher than that of the best hard drive running at full capacity.

This test is especially relevant for users who constantly copy large amounts of data to or from an SSD. Obviously, in such a situation, a more modern and wider interface makes a practical difference.

Overall Performance

The average performance results for the entire test suite show that there is a noticeable difference between an SSD connected via SATA III and SATA II. Naturally, read and write speeds are higher when the drive has access to a wider channel and can use it to its fullest.

However, most tests are synthetic. It is possible that realistic tests will paint a completely different picture.

If we combine all the results, weighing each individual indicator, we get the overall chart shown above. It clearly shows the advantage of the SATA 6 GB/s interface in synthetic tests.

AS-SSD also shows the overall result. Performance Samsung 840 Pro via SATA II is noticeably lower than via SATA III. But again, even the worst result of an SSD is many times higher than the results of a hard drive.

The tasks tested here are typical of everyday desktop use. We immediately see that the difference between SATA II and SATA III at boot is only half a second. The speed increase is much more noticeable when moving from HDD to SSD.

The timer turns off 0.6 seconds faster when Samsung 840 Pro connected via a 6 Gbps connector. In practice you won't notice this. Even the HDD doesn't seem to be that bad compared to Samsung's SSD.

The second diagrams display the speed of drives as a percentage relative to Samsung SSDs on the SATA 3 Gb/s bus.

In this test, Adobe Photoshop CS6 is launched immediately after loading, the image is loaded, and then the program closes. Samsung 840 Pro, connected via SATA II, completes the sequence a second longer than the same SSD via a SATA III port. This difference will not affect work in any way. But you will definitely feel the additional 23 seconds that an equally powerful system spends, but only with an HDD (even as fast as VelociRaptor).

Real tests: five applications

This is another test in which the results of the solid state drive Samsung 840 Pro, connected to connectors of different generations, are almost equal. The difference in execution speed is only 1.6 seconds. If you sit in front of the monitors of two systems, it is almost impossible to distinguish them.

Installing an SSD in a system with SATA 3 Gb/s | Excellent upgrade opportunity even from SATA 3Gb/s

Judging only by synthetic tests popular among reviewers (AS-SSD, CrystalDiskMark, PCMark 7, Iometer, etc.), the SATA 6 Gb/s interface is simply necessary to get maximum performance from modern SSDs. If you are moving large amounts of data, this is true. However, synthetic tests don't do a very good job of conveying the feel of a system recently upgraded from a conventional hard drive to an SSD. Moreover, they create the illusion that a modern platform is needed to unlock the capabilities of advanced SSDs. However, our realistic tests show that theoretical differences do not always correspond to practical ones. In most cases, Samsung 840 Pro, connected via SATA 3 Gb/s, did not lag behind the same SSD connected via SATA 6 Gb/s.

SATA 6 Gb/s provides virtually no benefits for the average desktop PC

When connected Samsung 840 Pro through SATA III in synthetic tests its speed increased sharply. The differences were especially striking when we intentionally assigned random and sequential I/O to large queue depths. But when we ran realistic tests of booting and shutting down, as well as running multiple applications, the difference was almost zero. This is exactly how it will be in everyday use.

Because the synthetic tests purposefully test loads designed to differentiate between very fast devices, but rarely encountered in desktop environments, they are not representative of more common PC workloads. Random I/O speed is important, but chances are you'll never see a queue depth of 32 commands. While we enjoyed measuring peak sequential transfer speeds, moving large media files between two identical drives is a relatively rare occurrence. For example, if you copy an ISO file from one SSD to another, you will get a significant boost over SATA 6 Gb/s. But if you move the same file from SSD to HDD, then even the fastest interface in the world will not help overcome the speed limitations of the magnetic media.

The three most important aspects:

From a practical point of view, the speed of random I/O operations is very important. Under Windows, most I/O occurs at a low queue depth. In this situation, synthetic benchmarks show that the difference between SATA 6 Gbit/s and 3 Gbit/s is very small. The theoretical gap is minimal, but the practical gap is non-existent.

Now we can answer the question of whether SATA III 6 Gb/s connectors are needed when upgrading to an SSD. Obviously, you will get a noticeable boost in system responsiveness even using a SATA 3Gbps connector. In practice, the 3 Gbps interface does not hinder the performance of core applications. The SATA III interface comes into play in synthetic tests that reach technological limits, in workstation/server tasks or during large volumes of data transfer from SSD to SSD.

The most important thing is to install an SSD in the system. Just look how Samsung 840 Pro goes up against the fastest desktop hard drive called Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1000DHTZ. The SSD doesn't even give it a chance, either in synthetic or natural tests.

SATA is an interface used for communication between the motherboard and the HDD. The technology is based on a rules protocol that determines how bits will be transferred in the controller that handles the transmission and signal lines on the cable. The interface is serial, which means that data is transferred bit by bit.

The development of the technology began back in 2000, by the best companies in the IT field. The connector began to be integrated into motherboards in 2003.

SATA – translated as consistent application of the latest technologies. Stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. The key word here is Serial, which means “serial”, which is how the interface differs from its predecessor PATA.

IDE (aka PATA) uses parallel data transfer, which is much inferior in speed to the newer interface. In addition, IDE uses a 40-pin cable, which makes it difficult for air to circulate inside the PC and increases the temperature.

Cables and connectors

To connect a hard drive using Serial ATA you will need two cables.

The first cable is used for data transmission and has 7 contacts. The second SATA cable is for power supply and connects directly to the power supply via a 4-pin MOLEX connector. The voltage that passes through the power cable is 3, 3.5 and 12 V, while the current is 4.5 A.

In order not to create sudden jumps in the transition from one interface to another, in terms of power supply, many HDDs have the old 4-pin connector.

Newer HDDs use only a 15-pin SATA connector.

SATA cable

Power cable

SATA and IDE interface

Types of SATA

Since its release (2003), the development of the technology has not stood still and faster and more stable versions have been released. At the moment, there are 6 main versions that are widely popular and in demand.

Sata

The first model is currently quite difficult to find on PCs. Operates on frequency 1.5 GHz and has a capacity of 150 Mb/s, which does not greatly exceed the throughput of Ultra ATA. The main advantage over the previous interface is the serial bus, which provides higher data transfer speeds.

Sata 2

SATA 2 came out the next year after the first version was released. The bus frequency has become 3 GHz, and the throughput 300 Mb/s. I used a chipset from NVIDIA called nForce 4. Visually it looks like the first version.

Sata 3

The first variation of version 3 appeared in 2008. Data transfer rate 600 Mb/s.

Version 3.1 improved performance with SSDs and reduced overall power consumption for a system that includes multiple devices.

Version 3.2 has a distinctive feature - it is a merger of PCI Express and Serial ATA called SATA Express. The main one is PCI, but is still compatible with Serial ATA in software. Has a capacity of 1969 Mb/s.

Esata

This technology is used to connect external devices that use the " Hot Swap" The connectors have been changed and are now incompatible with standard Serial ATA, although they are identical in terms of signal. Also, the connectors have become more durable, which allows for a greater number of connections/disconnections of devices before failure. Two cables are used, one for data transmission, the other for power.

Esata connector

Difference between Esata and SATA

Power eSATA

Power eSATA (eSATAp) - specially designed to eliminate the need for two cables when connecting. This interface transmits data and power over a single cable, making it easier to use.

Msata

An interface that is used in netbooks and ultrabooks, replacing the more bulky connector of its predecessor. Bandwidth 6 Gbps.

SAS

An interface for connecting devices via a physical channel, analogous to Serial ATA, that are controlled using the SCSI command set. This makes it possible connect any devices, which use the SCSI command set for management, this is also facilitated by backward compatibility with Serial ATA. If we compare these two interfaces, the SAS topology is at a more advanced level, which allows one device to be connected in parallel via two or more channels. The first revisions of SAS and Serial ATA 2 were listed as synonyms, but over time the creators decided that using SCSI in a PC was inappropriate and separated them.

What's happened

This is a technology combining PCI Express and SATA. On the motherboard it looks like two adjacent SATA ports, which allows you to connect both devices using previous interfaces and a newer one. Bandwidth 8 Gb/s when connecting one connector and 16 Gb/s when connecting two connectors at once.

Sata Express connectors

Sata Express cable

Differences and compatibility

All versions are backward compatible with each other. Those. If you have Serial ATA 3, the user can easily connect a device using version 2. And so with all versions.

The throughput of version 3 is twice as high as that of version 2 and is 6 Gbps. Compared to the previous one it was improved power management.

Pinout

Pinout power cable Serial ATA:

Pinout connection cable:

How to find out which SATA is on the motherboard

The user can find out which Serial ATA connector is installed on the motherboard in several ways. For owners of desktop PCs, the first method will be the most relevant.

You need to remove the side cover of the system unit to get to the motherboard. If you have a laptop you will have to completely disassemble it. It is not recommended for an inexperienced user to do this. After you get to the motherboard you should find connector with inscriptionSATA or you can simply track the cable that goes from the HDD to the motherboard. Near this connector on the motherboard it will be written SATA. 6 Gb/s is the third revision, and 3 Gb/s is the second.

If it is not possible to disassemble it, but you need to find out the Serial ATA connector, you can use programs. You need to download the HWiNFO program, install it and open it.

In the main window select Bus – Pci Bus and look on the right side of the window which Serial ATA ports are present on the motherboard.

27. 05.2017

Blog of Dmitry Vassiyarov.

SATA connector - features and characteristics of the interface

Good day, dear friends.

Do you often come across the phrase “SATA interface”, your friends talk about it, but you have no idea what it is? Then you should read this article, from which you will not only get an answer to this question, but also learn to understand the generations of connectors of this family.

Debriefing

Let's start with what the interface is. It is a means of interaction between two devices; in this case between the motherboard and the hard drive. It consists of a controller, signal lines and a special protocol - the rules by which this particular type of interface works. To make it clearer, physically it is a connector on the motherboard where the HDD is inserted.

SATA in English stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, which means “consistent application of the latest technologies.” The first word in this case plays a key role, since it is it that determines the type of this interface - it is sequential.

This means that data is transferred bit by bit - one at a time - over a certain period of time. I am not focusing on this by chance, because the predecessor of SATA is PATA (IDE) - a parallel interface that transmitted information several bits at once. It is currently considered obsolete and is therefore not used.

Development of the sat started in 2000 by leading companies in the computer market of that time and today, including Dell, Seagate, Maxtor, APT Technologies, Quantum, etc. They began to integrate the connector into boards everywhere in 2003.

Advantages

SATA is considered better than PATA in that it transmits information faster and has a thinner wire. Another plus is the reduced operating voltage due to the reduced number of contacts and microcircuits, so the controllers generate less heat, therefore do not overheat and last longer.

Judge for yourself, SATA has 7 pins, while PATA had 40. Also, the improved shape of the cable makes it resistant to multiple connections.

In addition, the outdated interface involved connecting 2 devices to one cable, while the modern one has separate wires for each gadget. Thus, all devices can operate simultaneously, delays in data transmission and possible problems during the assembly of components are eliminated.

Types of SATA

To work with any SATA interface, 2 cables are used: 7 pins for information exchange and 15 pins for connecting power. Instead of the latter, a 4-pin Molex connector can be used. The power cable supplies voltages of 5 and 12 V. The width of the wire is 2.4 cm.

The differences between the types are the data transfer speed and bus frequency. Consider the existing generations:

• SATA. The model that came out first. Now it is practically not used. Its bus operated at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, which is why the throughput did not exceed 150 Mb/s.
• SATA 2. The interface first appeared in 2004 on the nForce 4 chipset of the NVIDIA brand. Externally: the same as the previous option. The frequency has been increased to 3 GHz, thereby increasing the speed of information exchange to 300 Mb/s.
• SATA 3. Release took place in 2008. Traditionally, performance has doubled (600 MB/s). Compatibility between devices designed for previous generations has been maintained.

After the release of this interface, 2 more modifications were released:

- 3.1 (2011). Among the innovations: Zero-power optical drive (does not consume energy in sleep mode), mSATA (connector for portable and solid-state hard drives, netbooks and mobile gadgets), Queued TRIM Command (increases the productivity of SSD drives), Hardware Control Features (performs host identification of device capabilities). Data is transferred at the same speed as in the 3rd generation.

- 3.2 - SATA Express (2013). This family has merged with PCIe, that is, the software interface is compatible with SATA, but PCIe is considered the carrier connector.

Physically, this model is designed as two adjacent SATA ports, so you can simultaneously connect devices designed for interfaces of previous generations and directly for Express. The data transfer speed has increased significantly: up to 8 Gb/s if 1 connector is used, and up to 16 Gb/s if both are used.

eSATA

This type of interface should be separated into a separate group, because it is intended for connecting devices from the outside. This is indicated by the first letter in the name, which carries the concept “External” (external). The connector appeared in 2004.

Compared to the first generation SATA:

• More reliable performance;
• The wire was extended from 1 m to 2 m;
• Various signal levels are used.

The downside of this version is the need for a special cable to connect gadgets. The disadvantage was eliminated in the next modification - eSATAp - by introducing USB 2.0 technology, with information transmitted via wires with voltages of 5 and 12 V.

Determine the interface version.

How do you find out which SATA connector your motherboard and the devices connected to it have? There are several ways to do this:

• Read the technical specifications of your model in the instructions or on the official website.
• View the inscriptions directly on the motherboard.

• Use the CrystalDiskInfo utility. After installation, a window will open where complete information about your hardware will be presented.

Here is the website of this program: http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskInfo/index-e.html

If you are planning to buy a new screw, but the model you like does not match the connector on the motherboard, do not rush to abandon your choice, as special adapters are sold.

I look forward to seeing you on the pages of my blog again.

Many computer users have long been tormented by the question of the differences between the interfaces for connecting SATA2 and SATA3 hard drives. It is clear that the 3rd version is more modern, which means it has certain improvements. But which ones? We will tell you about this today.

Nowadays, most computers have hard drives that support SATA2, but more and more people are gradually switching to the newer standard - SATA3. The developers made a reasonable decision and did not remove compatibility between different interfaces, i.e. a hard drive with support for version 2 will work perfectly well, which is equipped with version 3 of outputs, and vice versa. This compatibility saves us from inconvenience, allowing us to connect different devices.

Differences between SATA-2 and SATA-3

• By design, the SATA3 output is no different from SATA2, i.e. For work, you can use any SATA cables (however, if yours and the motherboard support version 3, then you need to use a cable of version 3 as well, so that the data exchange speed is at a high level).
• The difference between the 2nd and 3rd “SATA” is in bandwidth, SATA2 has an information exchange limit of 3 GB per second, and SATA3 – 6 GB per second. If we talk about the difference in performance between the two interfaces, then, oddly enough, it is small, although it would seem that newer is better. Yes it is, but not entirely.
• The hard drives we use have a mechanical basis, i.e. a special mechanism spins the hard drive disks, and a special reading head “manipulates” the information stored on these disks. This design imposes certain limitations on throughput. It turns out that although the standard is new, it does not provide a tangible advantage.
• We will not go into technical details, but tests do not show a significant increase in data exchange speed. Hard drives with SATA3 support can be called a “tribute to progress,” but there is no revolution in them, it’s just that hard drive manufacturers also keep up with the times.

Things change when it comes to (a completely different storage technology based on flash chips). Here, high speed will make itself felt; SATA3 shows itself perfectly when working with SSD drives. When connected to a version 2 interface, the speed will also be high (higher than a regular hard drive connected to SATA3), but to experience the full potential of fast flash drives, you should work with the latest interface. Also, in addition to speed, SATA3 can also be distinguished, but this feature will be invisible to the average user.

Conclusion

Let's summarize and find out the main differences between the new and the “old” standard. SATA3 provides data exchange speeds of up to 6 GB per second, however, users of conventional hard drives will not feel much difference between the 2nd and 3rd version of the connection; SATA3 performs best when working with SSD drives (which are very expensive).

SATA2 has a speed of 3 GB per second, which is quite enough for the average PC user. Also, version 3 has an improved power management scheme, which should theoretically increase the life of the hard drive. We hope that our article answered the question about the differences between SATA2 and SATA3, share this article with your friends, let them also learn useful information!

SATA (English: Serial ATA)- serial interface for data exchange with information storage devices. SATA is a development of the parallel interface, which after the advent of SATA was renamed PATA (Parallel ATA). - data cable connector. Hard drive data cable connector -

Description SATA

SATA uses a 7-pin connector instead of PATA's 40-pin connector. The SATA cable has a smaller area, due to which the resistance to air blowing through the computer components is reduced, and wiring inside the system unit is simplified.

Due to its shape, the SATA cable is more resistant to multiple connections. The SATA power cord is also designed to accommodate multiple connections. The SATA power connector supplies 3 supply voltages: +12 V, +5 V and +3.3 V; however, modern devices can operate without +3.3 V, which makes it possible to use a passive adapter from a standard IDE to SATA power connector. A number of SATA devices come with two power connectors: SATA and Molex.

The SATA standard abandoned the traditional PATA connection of two devices per cable; each device is assigned a separate cable, which eliminates the problem of the impossibility of simultaneous operation of devices located on the same cable (and the delays that arise from this), reduces possible problems during assembly (there is no problem of conflict between Slave/Master devices for SATA), eliminates the possibility of errors when using non-terminated PATA- loops.

The SATA standard supports the command queuing function (NCQ, starting with SATA Revision 2.x).

The SATA standard does not provide for hot-swapping of the active device (used by the Operating System) (up to SATA Revision 3.x), additionally connected drives must be disconnected gradually - power, cable, and connected in the reverse order - cable, power.

SATA connectors

SATA devices use two connectors: 7-pin (data bus connection) and 15-pin (power connection). The SATA standard provides the ability to use a standard 4-pin Molex connector instead of a 15-pin power connector. Using both types of power connectors at the same time may damage the device.

The SATA interface has two data transfer channels, from controller to device and from device to controller. LVDS technology is used for signal transmission; the wires of each pair are shielded twisted pairs.

There is also a 13-pin combined SATA connector used in servers, mobile and portable devices for slim CD/DVD drives. Devices are connected using a SATA Slimline ALL-in-One Cable. It consists of a combined connector of a 7-pin connector for connecting the data bus and a 6-pin connector for connecting the device’s power supply. In addition, to connect to these devices, servers use a special adapter.

Using http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATA

The most interesting comments on the colors of the SATA power connector cable:

RU2012:"Adapters are available to convert a 4-pin Molex connector to a SATA power connector. However, since 4-pin Molex connectors do not provide 3.3 V, these adapters only provide 5 V and 12 V power and leave the 3.3 V lines disabled. This does not allow the use of such adapters with drives that require 3.3 V power - orange wire.

Recognizing this, hard drive manufacturers have largely left support for the 3.3V orange power cable option in their storage devices - power lines are not used in most devices.

HOWEVER, WITHOUT 3.3V POWER (orange wire), the SATA DEVICE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HOT PLUG THE DISK..." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

Have questions - ask- we will help as best we can (for comments to work, you need to have a Java script enabled in your browser):
To comment, just ask a question in the window below, then click “Post as” - enter your email and Name, and click “Post comment”.