What Is the Difference Between SATA & PATA Hard Drives?

With the multitude of computing devices, it can often be difficult to know your exact hardware needs. Hard drives are no different in this aspect because there are a great many differences between each type.

History

Originally designed by Western Digital in the mid 1980s, PATA (Parallel ATA) drive technology was the first common drive protocol used in mainstream computing until it was surpassed by SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment).

Identification

PATA drives use a flat gray cable for connectivity to the motherboard and Molex power connectors.

SATA drives use round serial cable as a data cable and flat SATA specific power connector.
Features

Due to its newer data transfer technology SATA hard drives are capable of transfers up to 300 MB/s where a PATA drive can only reach 133 MB/s transfer speed.

Size

Both SATA and PATA hard drives come in 2.5-and 3.5-inch form factors for various uses, such as desktop or laptop computers.

Potential

PATA technology is largely being phased out by current manufacturers as obsolete.

SATA drive technology is the current standard for hard drive connectivity with an even faster 600 MB/s revision due in the near future.