/ IDE vs. SATA

IDE vs. SATA

The local tech guy mentioned that since I had a memory running on IDE and not SATA, upgrading memory is a tricky business because it may not read the full 160GB that is there. He also mentioned a SATA (UPGRADE possible to 500GB) build is better over an IDE RAM. Can you help explain the difference in functionality, apart from pin difference? Susan Keenan

What is SATA?

SATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is one of the common drive interfaces used to connect hard drives, CD ROMs, RAM, and other hardware devices within a computer. The cables are designed to be thin enough to allow maximum air flow while taking up a minimal amount of space. They are easily recognizable because they have tiny connectors with 7 pins. The power needed for SATA is less than what is used by IDE. It offers a great improvement over earlier technologies of the ATA interface since it features the latest developments.

What is IDE?

IDE or Integrated Device Electronics is the common drive interface that is utilized by ATA interfaces. ATA provides the passage of data at a slow pace, fewer bytes of data at a time (than with SATA) no matter what size the interface bus is.

IDE vs. SATA

In order to determine whether to upgrade to SATA or stick to IDE, you should consider what you use the computer for. If you do a lot of gaming, then SATA is clearly the way to go. It is faster and will provide you a better gaming experience over the long run. Since IDE transfers data at such a slow pace, it isn’t the most optimal form of memory for heavy computer performance. Moreover, IDE happens to be aging technology that simply isn’t going to hang around forever. IDE has reached its highest level and isn’t going to receive any improvements at this point.

Benefits of SATA over IDE

In general, the benefits of SATA over IDE include the following:

SATA is faster.
SATA is newer technology that will be around longer than IDE. Therefore, it will be more accessible.
IDE is noted to suffer from data loss while SATA is not.
IDE is noted to suffer from electromagnetic interference, affecting its functionality at times.
SATA takes up less space, allowing for greater airflow which is increasingly important in the event that you would add even more memory or upgrade your processor. Each of these strategies would increase the heat factor for your computer and place it at greater risk of failure. However, with smaller memory modules, you save on space and increase airflow.
SATA uses less power, thereby reducing excessive heat factors.