How to Connect an SATA Cable

by Chang Lin, Demand Media

Internal storage drives are connected to the motherboard with SATA cables.

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A serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) is a form of computer bus interface that allows devices such as internal storage drives or CD/DVD drives to function with the computer's motherboard. Before the development of SATA technology, the older AT Attachment technology was used. By 2010, nearly all internal storage drives use SATA cables to transfer data to and from the device at faster speeds than the ATA cables. Much like connecting any cable between two devices, connecting an SATA cable takes only a matter of minutes.

Step 1

Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord from the main power source located on the back of the computer.

Step 2

Unscrew the cover of the computer case using a Phillips-head screwdriver, and remove the side of the casing to gain access to the SATA ports and motherboard.

Step 3

Locate the SATA ports on your computer's motherboard, which will be marked with the label "SATA1" and "SATA2." Make sure the tip of the SATA cable matches the L-shaped port before inserting.

Step 4

Connect one end of the SATA cable into the L-shaped connector on the motherboard and insert the other end of the SATA cable into the L-shaped connector on the hard-drive.

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References

  • Smart Computing: How to Install IDE & SATA Cables

About the Author

Chang Lin has been writing professionally since 2010. He has written scripts for the National Science Foundation and short films that have won awards at film festivals. Lin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scriptwriting from the University of North Texas.

Photo Credits

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