• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Serial ATA in upcoming mobos?

Well the ATA we have now is a parallel architecture, meaning it transmits the bits of information alongside each other. This is different from Serial ATA which transmits data one bit after the other, hence the name 'serial'.

Serial ATA enables us to have much smaller connectors (like 4 pins) and smaller cables. One downside is that you can only have on drive on each cable, but with the decreased connector and wire sizes, it's more economical to have multiple connectors than it is today.

It also theoretically provides for higher bandwidth to your drives.

And if I'm just talking out my ass, someone let me know 😛
 
Because of timing issues and crosstalk, parallel buses "max out" at a certain speed and it becomes nearly impossible to push past the barrier. There is simply too much interference and too much "adjusting" required to make everything work out just right. If parallel cables were made on wafer fabs, this could be avoided, perhaps, but the cost and practicality issues outweigh that.

Serial buses are freed from crosstalk and timing issues. All you need is super-fast controllers that can jam data through the wire. Today's semiconductors are more than cable of this, hence things like gigabit ethernet and such. Serial ATA just makes that possible between drive and motherboard. The drives themselves aren't going to change much, except for their controllers and physical interfaces.

Another side benefit of serial ATA besides speed is cleaner, neater, smaller cables. This will bring improved airflow and less need for cooling. Nice.

Mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top