SATA and PATA are the two bus interfaces used to connect secondary storage devices like hard disks, optical drives, etc. Both SATA and PATA are parts of the computer.
Even though SATA and PATA have similarities, at the same time, they are different from each other. Both SATA and PATA are the versions of ATA. ATA stands for Advanced Technology Attachment.
Key Takeaways
- SATA (Serial ATA) uses a smaller connector, allowing faster data transfer speeds than PATA (Parallel ATA).
- PATA relies on a wider ribbon cable, limiting compatibility and increasing clutter.
- SATA has largely replaced PATA in modern systems due to its advantages in speed and design.
SATA vs PATA
The difference between SATA and PATA is that SATA is the bus interface used for connecting secondary storage devices currently in use. On the other hand, PATA is also the bus interface used to connect secondary storage devices that are currently not in use. Therefore, PATA is outdated. Both are versions of ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment).
The full form of SATA is Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. SATA is the bus interface that is used for connecting secondary devices that is currently in use. The speed of the SATA is fast (3Gbps).
It also provides an external interface. SATA has brought a lot of changes to the computer, where it replaced PATA. SATA is more advanced than PATA as it has been replaced in recent times. It is one of the versions of ATA.
On the other hand, the full form of PATA is Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment. PATA is also a bus interface that is used for connecting secondary devices that are currently not in use, therefore, it is outdated.
The speed of the PATA is comparatively slow as compared to SATA (133MBbps). It only provides an internal interface. Since PATA lacks in many aspects, hence it has been replaced by SATA. SATA is also a version of ATA.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | SATA | PATA |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. | PATA stands for Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment. |
| Use | SATA is currently in use. | PATA is currently not in use. Therefore, it is outdated. |
| Connection | SATA is hot-pluggable. | PATA is not hot-pluggable. |
| Speed | The speed capacity is faster in SATA. The average speed is 3Gbps. | The speed capacity is slow in PATA, with an average speed of 133MBps. |
| Interface | SATA provides an external interface. | PATA provides an internal interface. |
| Cable Size | The size of the cable of SATA is small. | The size of the cable of PATA is larger as compared to SATA. |
| Bit Rate | The bit rate of SATA is 150 MB/s – 600 MB/s. | The bit rate of PATA is 16 MB/s – 133 MB/s |
| Arrangement | SATA has a master-slave arrangement. | PATA does not support arrangements. |
What is SATA?
The full form of SATA is Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. SATA is the bus interface that is used for connecting secondary devices, and it is currently in use. For the first time, it was initiated in the year 2001.
Since it is in use currently, it has advanced features as compared to PATA. SATA is hot-pluggable. It has a very warm temperature.
The speed capacity is faster in SATA. The average speed is 3Gbps. It has a faster speed that helps to connect the devices quickly, and hence it is very convenient to use. SATA provides an external interface that is very convenient to use.
The size of the cable of SATA is small. It measures a 7-pin cable size. Both ends are thin and flat, where one plug connects to the motherboard and the other to the secondary device. The bit rate of SATA is 150 MB/s – 600MB/s. SATA has a master-slave arrangement.
SATA has more advantages as compared to PATA, as it has more advanced features. SATA has more advantages as it has a small cable size, fast data transfer speed, etc. SATA brought gigantic changes in the lives of PATA users.
The more advanced version of SATA itself provides isochronous transmission features to enable audio and video devices.
What is PATA?
PATA stands for Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment. PATA is also a bus interface that is used for connecting secondary devices that are currently not in use, therefore, it is outdated. PATA was the latter version of ATA.
For the first time, it was initiated by Western Digital and Compaq in the year 1986. The features of PATA are not as advanced as SATA, and hence it got outdated, and people don’t use it anymore.
PATA is not hot-pluggable. It does not have a very warm temperature as compared to SATA. The speed capacity is slow in PATA, with an average speed of 133MBps. It is slower as compared to SATA, the connection process between the PATA and other devices is slow.
PATA provides an internal interface that is inconvenient to use. The size of the cable of PATA is larger as compared to SATA. The cable of PATA measures approximately 18 inches. The ribbon cable is attached to 40-80 connectors which measure approximately 40-pin.
There are two to three connectors each on the cable. The bit rate of PATA is 16 MB/s – 133MB/s. PATA does not support arrangements. PATA was slow; hence it was replaced with its advanced version SATA.
Main Differences Between SATA and PATA
- The full form of SATA is Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. On the other hand, the full form of PATA is Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment.
- SATA is currently in use. On the other hand, PATA is currently not in use. Therefore, it is outdated.
- SATA is hot-pluggable. On the other hand, PATA is not hot-pluggable.
- The speed capacity is faster in SATA. The average speed is 3Gbps. On the other hand, the speed capacity is slow in PATA, with an average speed of 133MBps.
- SATA provides an external interface. On the other hand, PATA provides an internal interface.
- The size of the cable of SATA is small. On the other hand, the size of the cable of PATA is larger as compared to SATA.
- The bit rate of SATA is 150 MB/s – 600MB/s. On the other hand, the bit rate of PATA is 16 MB/s – 133MB/s.
- SATA has a master-slave arrangement. On the other, PATA does not support arrangements.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4722554/
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=8O-sBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=SATA+vs+PATA+of+ATA+features&ots=izWJjKjkch&sig=DDZTnymdmZdBH_XEaEQqpgCBtLU
Last Updated : 10 August, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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I’m glad the article presented the inception of SATA and PATA. It adds depth to the understanding of these interfaces.
The article is a great resource for understanding the transitions in technology from PATA to SATA. Very informative and nicely written.
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The detailed explanation of technical specifications and features of SATA and PATA is very insightful. It’s crucial to know their differences.
I agree, Frank Morris. The technical details provided in this article are comprehensive and really facilitate a deep understanding of SATA and PATA.
The detailed comparison between SATA and PATA is quite enlightening, especially for those with a keen interest in technology and computer hardware.
I share your view, Simpson Carrie. The comparison between SATA and PATA provides a thorough understanding of secondary storage devices.
The article thoroughly explains the advantages and disadvantages of both SATA and PATA. The comparison makes it easier to grasp their differences.
I couldn’t agree more, Hlloyd. This article does a great job of presenting the benefits and drawbacks of SATA and PATA.
The defintion of SATA and PATA and the differences between them are well-explained. It’s very helpful to understand the pros and cons of each one. I really enjoyed reading this article.
I found the provided comparison table very informative. It visually shows the stark difference between SATA and PATA. This article is definitely a good source of information.
I completely agree with you, Mia36. The differences and usage of SATA and PATA are useful to get to know. SATA has definitely revolutionized the technology.
I commend the author for providing a rich and detailed comparison table between SATA and PATA. It makes it easier to comprehend their differences.
I found the comparison table very illuminating. It’s a great addition to the article and ties everything together nicely.
I agree, the comparison table gives a clear understanding of the key distinctions between SATA and PATA. It’s incredibly useful.