18 January 2021

Difference between SATA and PATA

SATA stands for Serial ATA, while PATA stands for parallel ATA. They both are referred to two different ways of encoding transporting the data electronically. The data transfer speed of SATA is higher than PATA. So here this article gives the main key difference between SATA and PATA to better understand this topic.

Definition of PATA:

PATA is a bus interface used for connecting secondary storage devices like hard disks, optical drives, etc. It was first introduced in the year 1986 by western digital and Compact. It was later replaced by SATA.

Definition of SATA:

SATA is a bus interface that connects hard disks and optical drives. SATA was introduced in 2001 after PATA was slowly declining its demand by serial ATA working group. SATA has more benefits than PATA making its demand more.

Difference between  SATA ad PATA:

  • PATA acronym for parallel advanced technology attachment, and SATA stands for serial advanced technology attachment.
  • PATA is outdated technology while SATA is a new advanced technology and is currently in use.
  • SATA rapidly transfer data as compared to PATA technology, which is very slow.
  • PATA enables extra interfacing while it is not the case in SATA.
  • The various versions of SATA provide up to 600 Mb/s of a rate while PATA can offer speed at a maximum of 133 Mb/s
  • When it comes to the size of the cable, PATA cables are bigger than SATA cables.
  • The cable pins require for PATA are 40, while SATA requires 7 cable pins.
  • The power connector pins for PATA are 4, while the SATA requires 15 power connector pins.
  • Power consumption is more for PATA, while SATA power consumption is comparatively very less.
  • The cable length is 36 inches in PATA, while the SATA length is 40 inches.
  • In PATA jumper setting is available, while SATA does not require a jumper setting.
  • The device per cable for PATA is 2, whereas SATA needs device per cable is 1.
  • Power consumption is 5 V, while the SATA power consumption is 250mV only.
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