Hard Drive Interfaces

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In a computer, the Hard Drive (HDD) is used for storing and retrieving data such as the Operating System, programs, and user files. This data is retained even when the computer is powered off.

In a desktop computer the Hard Drive comes in a standard size of 3.5 inches while a laptop computer contains a smaller 2.5 inch Hard Drive. There is more information about the 2.5 inch Hard Drive on the Laptop page.

The Hard Drive is connected to the motherboard via an interface cable. There are three main types of Hard Drive interface including the older IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) also called PATA (Parallel ATA), the new SATA (Serial ATA), and SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) which is mainly used on servers and in industry.

The two main types of Hard Drive on a Home Computer include the older IDE Hard Drive, and the new SATA Hard Drive which are pictured above. They are both the same size and look identical except for the power and data connectors.

First you need to look at your computer's motherboard or look in your motherboard manual and determine if it contains the older IDE connectors or the newer SATA connectors. The motherboard may even contain both types of connector.

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