Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)

An evolution of the Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) physical storage interface. SATA is a serial link that uses a single cable with a minimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. Transfer rates for SATA begin at 150 MB/s. Transfer rates for SATA II begin at 300 MB/s. One of the main advantages of SATA is that the thinner serial cables facilitate more efficient airflow inside a form factor and also allow for smaller chassis designs. In contrast, Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) cables used in PATA systems are bulkier than SATA cables. In addition, IDE cables can extend only to 40 cm (15.7 in.) long, while SATA cables can extend up to 1 m (39.3 in.).