ATA-3 vs. ATA-4, What is the difference

[ctowle]

Can someone please explain to me the exact differnce between ATA-3 and ATA-4 interface for laptop (2.5&quot hard drives?

Are they cross-compatible? I have an ATA-3 drive currently in my laptop, and am looking to upgrade and all of the new (and larger drives) are ATA-4 interface.

I don't want to purchase something that will not work.

Thanks in advance.

 

[andri]

ATA-4 drives are compatible with ATA-3. The difference is in speed: ATA5 is 100MB/s, ATA4 is 66MB/s, ATA3 is 33MB/s, ATA2 16MB/s, etc...

Your brand new ATA4 drive will work in ATA3 mode, thus half the interface speed.

 

[ctowle]

Thank you, thank you. I had already purchased an ATA-4 drive and was beginning to get concerned.