What is the difference between PATA and SATA and which
runs better with XP? Thanks.
PATA is the "normal" EIDE or ATA interface, which is a parallel interface.
SATA is a Serial ATA interface. Contrary to old-hat thinking, they got the
serial version to work faster than the parallel version. Currently, max
PATA bandwidth is 133 MBps; SATA starts at 150. PATA supports 2 HDs per
connector; SATA supports 1 HD per connector.
HOWEVER, the interface won't give you what the HD cannot. MOST SATA HDs are
PATA hardware with new front-end wiring. The same 7200 RPM HD will have the
same physical performance limitations.
HOWEVER, most MoBo mfgrs are implementing RAID 0/1 options on-board. RAID 0
(striping) will improve performance; RAID 1 (mirroring) will improve data
integrity. Also, a few HD mfgrs have new SATA HDs with high-performance
specs. The WD Raptor is the most popular of these.
XP supports both. The rest depends on your hardware.
