SATA is a computer bus interface, optical drive, and solid state drive. The SATA standard defines a data cable with seven conductors (three ground and four active data lines in two pairs) and 8 mm wide wafer connectors on each end. SATA cables can have lengths up to 1 meter and connect a bottom to a hard drive. SATA connectors and cables are thus easier to fit in enclosed spaces and reduce obstacles to air cooling. Although they are more...

SATA is a computer bus interface, optical drive, and solid state drive. The SATA standard defines a data cable with seven conductors (three ground and four active data lines in two pairs) and 8 mm wide wafer connectors on each end. SATA cables can have lengths up to 1 meter and connect a bottom to a hard drive. SATA connectors and cables are thus easier to fit in enclosed spaces and reduce obstacles to air cooling. Although they are more susceptible to unintentional disconnection and breakage than PATA, users can purchase cables that have a lock function whereby a small (normal metal) socket in the socket.