Boston Linux & Unix (BLU) Home | Calendar | Mail Lists | List Archives | Desktop SIG | Hardware Hacking SIG
Wiki | Flickr | PicasaWeb | Video | Maps & Directions | Installfests | Keysignings
Linux Cafe | Meeting Notes | Linux Links | Bling | About BLU

BLU Discuss list archive


[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

SATA vs ATA (EIDE)



markw at mohawksoft.com wrote:
> Does anyone have an opinion about which one is better? Interface and I/O
> speed? DMA? Compatibility with Linux?

SATA is theoretically faster, especially the newer 300MB/s SATA-II, 
which isn't supported by all drives or motherboards. (The original SATA 
was only slightly faster than UDMA 6, aka Ultra ATA/133.) In the real 
world, it doesn't matter, because the disk drives aren't as fast as the 
interface. SATA also has less bulky cables that are easier to route 
inside your box, and can be used for very fast external drives, because 
the cable length limits are less severe.

On the other hand, you'll need to use a reasonably current Linux distro 
for it to work reliably. And you're less likely to get real bargains on 
drives; the REALLY cheap ones on sale mostly seem to be parallel ATA.



-- 
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.





BLU is a member of BostonUserGroups
BLU is a member of BostonUserGroups
We also thank MIT for the use of their facilities.

Valid HTML 4.01! Valid CSS!



Boston Linux & Unix / webmaster@blu.org