Three Common Computer Hard Drive Types Based on Internal Interface

Are you thinking about a PC Computer Hardware upgrade? Consider upgrading your hard drive. There are different types of internal hard disk drives available on the market today.

For desktop systems, there are three common computer hard drive types based on how they are internally connected to the motherboard: the IDE hard drive, the SATA hard drive and the SCSI hard drive.

* IDE Hard Drive

The IDE hard drive has been around for more than 30 years. It is also known as a PATA hard drive. IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics and PATA stands for Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment. With IDE being a relatively old technology, you may want to consider a computer hard drive upgrade and buy the newer and faster SATA hard drives.

* SATA Hard Drive

SATA or serial ATA is the latest computer hard drive interface. Modern motherboards come equipped with SATA connectors. With these motherboards, you can hook as many as six SATA hard drives in one computer.

SATA hard drives are available in two versions: SATA 150 and SATA II 300. They are connected to the computer motherboard via cables which are thinner compared to the wide ribbon cables used by IDE hard drives. Consequently, SATA hard drives can improve the flow of air inside your computer case and minimize overheating issues.

You can buy a PCI SATA controller card if want to use a SATA hard drive in an older motherboard that does not have SATA connectors.

* SCSI Hard Drive

The SCSI hard drive is faster than the IDE hard drive, although not as efficient as the SATA hard drive. SCSI stands for Small Computer System Interface. SCSI hard drives are sometimes called “scuzzy” hard drives based on how SCSI is pronounced.

SCSI hard drives require the use of an SCSI Controller. The SCSI Controller can be built directly onto the motherboard, or added as a PCI or PCI Express adapter card. Many computer motherboards do not have a built-in SCSI Controller. To address this problem, SCSI hard drives are usually sold with a controller card.

When doing a computer hard drive upgrade, consider these three computer hard drives carefully. Among the three, the SCSI hard drive is the most difficult to install because of its unpopular interface.