TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is an advantage of SATA over PATA?

1. Lower cost

2. Faster data transfer speeds

3. Greater data integrity

4. Compatibility with older devices

The correct answer is: Faster data transfer speeds

SATA, or Serial ATA, provides several advantages over PATA (Parallel ATA), and one of the most significant benefits is its capability for faster data transfer speeds. SATA achieves this through a simpler, point-to-point connection which allows for higher throughput. While PATA uses multiple devices on a single cable, which can limit performance and is more susceptible to signal degradation over distance, SATA can operate with cables that are thinner and longer while maintaining high speeds. Additionally, SATA technology uses different signaling methods that enable it to support data transfer rates that significantly exceed those of PATA. This performance is especially relevant in scenarios that require rapid access to large amounts of data, such as in modern computing environments involving SSDs and high-capacity HDDs. The improved speed is one of the key reasons SATA has largely replaced PATA in contemporary storage architectures.