SATA, or Serial ATA, is a standard for connecting hard drives into computer systems. SATA is a serial signaling technology, which is easier to manage than traditional parallel ATA cabling. SATA disk drives don't match the performance of Fibre Channel, but offer large storage capacities and lower cost. Because of these attributes, many consider it particularly suitable for tiered storage environments and near-line storage tasks.
This handbook offers three related SATA tips. The first compares SATA to SAS and SCSI, the second details how to balance SATA and SAS in a tiered storage environment, and the final piece offers advice on how to strike the right balance between SATA and SCSI.
Comparing SCSI, SAS and SATA
This segment outlines some of the benefits and drawbacks of SCSI, SAS and SATA.
Using SAS and SATA for tiered storage
This segment offers detailed information about SAS and SATA so you can strike the right balance between SAS and SATA in a tiered storage environment.
Balancing SATA and SCSI
Selecting the right combination of SATA and SCSI disk drives in your system is critical. This final segment offers suggestions on how you can strike an effective balance.
Related SATA information
Is a dual-channel SATA controller the same as a two-port SATA controller?
SATA on a Dell Dimension 4400
SATA port multiplier vs. SATA multilane
External SATA RAID array vs. system replacement
