SATA Cable: The Beginner’s Guide For How to Choice

Want to know what a SATA cable is?

And the classification and function of SATA cable, the price of SATA cable, and how to buy it.

This article will be the best guide for learning about SATA cables.

Let’s start.

CHAPTER 1 – What is a SATA Cable?

SATA cables

SATA or Serial ATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment was introduced as an IDE standard for connecting hard drives and other optical drives to a motherboard in 2001.

Any cable that is compatible with the IDE standard is called a SATA cable.

We know SATA cables replaced the older PATA cables used in computers and transmit data much faster than the PATA cables.

You must have seen a SATA cable with the seven-pin connector that connects your hard drive to the motherboard.

The same cable is also used to connect other SSD devices and carry power.

The cables are generally thin and flat.

The connectors also follow the same design pattern. You may also hook up external hard drives using SATA cables with the SATA input of your CPU.

PATA Cables

Besides being faster than PATA cables, SATA cables permit external and internal hot-swapping devices.

You don’t need to switch off the devices before removing them from SATA connections.

On the other hand, your whole computer had to be shut down if you wanted to remove a hard drive using PATA cables.

And SATA cables are not compatible with some older technology and devices.

In that case, you can purchase separate adapters to solve the problem.

For example, buying a SATA USB adapter can run your external hard drive through a USB.

These adapters can come in handy when you are transferring data from older drives to newer ones or want to wipe them completely.es

CHAPTER 2 – The Types of SATA Cables

 You can probably find different SATA cables for data transmission and powering your drives and SSDs.

As a result, in this chapter, we will examine the most common types of SATA cables.

2.1 SATA Power Cable

SATA cables are generally used for connecting hard drives and the sort.

However, if you open your CPU, you will see many SATA cables that supply and distribute power to many internal devices.

SATA power cables have power connectors at one end and utilize the friction caused by connector bodies to stay adhered.

Generally, the SATA cables are flat and power the storage devices connecting them to the CPU power supply.

And it has replaced the four-pin Molex connectors, which used to be used in older computers.

Cables differ according to the driver type and specifications of size.

Sometimes you may purchase a complete 22-pin SATA wire that combines the power and data connector, but they are not so flexible.

SATA power cable

2.2 Monitor Power Cable

Monitor power cables are sturdy and thick and provide a power supply to your monitor.

It has a three-prong connector at one end, while the other has a standard AC power plug.

It would help if you connected the plug end to the power outlet while the other connected to the monitor.

It is always better to use good quality monitor power cables as they carry a significant electric current.

2.3 Hard Drive Power Cable

The primary job of a SATA cable is to connect hard drives to the motherboard.

However, the same cable is also used to power your hard drives.

Your hard drive has multiple inlet ports, among which you will find a port to connect the SATA power cable.

One end of the power connector will go into your hard disk while the other is connected to the SMPS. 

You will generally find the wires supplied with your SMPS or hard drive, or you can also purchase them separately.

SATA hard drive power cables have replaced the older four-pin Molex connectors used earlier. The power cables are generally flat and thin to maximize airflow inside the CPU and lessen cable entangling.

2.4 PS4 Power Cable

Sony PlayStation or PS4 uses a power cable similar to the audio cassette players of the old days.

The power cables come with a double-end female connector and a standard AC plug.

It would be best to connect the female end to the adapter provided with your PS4 while the plug on the other end goes into the power outlet. 

Different wires are available for your PS4, but it is wise for SATA cables to go for original or high-quality cables to protect your device.

PS4 power cable

2.5 SSD Power Cable

SSD or solid-state drive storage devices have many advantages over mechanical hard drives.

They perform faster and don’t suffer from performance issues like older drives.

You can purchase external SSD drives for affordable prices, which brings the question of the power cables.

You must install the power cable correctly if you want to use an SSD as an internal device in your CPU.

The SSD power cables are SATA cables with power connectors. 

They will be sticking out from the SMPS of the CPU, and you need to connect it to the SSD matching the connector.

The SSD power cable provides the power supply to your SSD drive.

2.6 USB Power Cable

You must have great use for the USB ports on your computer, but did you know they also need power?

Of course, you will not need a separate power cable for them- the 20 or 24-pin connector cable provides the necessary electricity.

A single cable will come out; this wire is divided into two connectors at the other end, which you must connect to the motherboard.

2.7 Micro USB Power Cable

Micro USB is the mini version of USB ideal for connecting different devices like smartphones, cameras, and tablets to your computer. 

The Micro USB power cable has a USB connector at one end and the micro USB connector or pinheads on the other.

The same cable can transmit data or charge your devices per your requirement.

Generally, all micro USB power cables carry a standard of 5V of the power supply.

Be sure to purchase a matching connector with your device; otherwise, your micro USB cable may be useless!

2.8 TV Power Cable

Older TV sets had power supply cables built into the body, but modern devices have separate cables. 

The TV power cables resemble the monitor power cables with a standard AC plug at one end and a three-pronged or two-pronged female connector at the other.

The power connector and type may vary according to the brands and models.

Inspect the input port of your TV power supply and then buy a parallel cable for hassle-free functioning.

Monitor Power Cable

You may be able to find SATA cables with different types of connectors in use.

We have provided an essential guide on the major categories, and next, we will discuss a few more SATA cables.

CHAPTER 3 – SATA Cables

 Here is a few more SATA cable you can find in use. Some are quite common, and you may already know about them. 

Computer Power Cable

Your computer or CPU will need a power source to function.

The computer power cable is the main wire that supplies electricity to your computer.

The cause is connected to an AC power outlet through the power plug, while the output is connected via the female connector to the SMPS of your CPU.

Cables are made heavy-duty to transmit the required wattage for your computer.

Some computer power cables are compatible with scanners, printers, and monitors.

The wires have a conductor made of metal and an outer layer of protective coating.

The CPU Power Cable

CPU Power Cable and computer power cable are the same things.

The CPU power cables also use a female connector that goes into the male outlet of your computer’s SMPS.

Wires are of good quality and have thick insulation to transfer the current to your computer.

CPU Power Cable

Power Supply Cable

A power supply cable is used for various devices and provides electricity to function.

You can use power supply cables for computers, CPUs, scanners, monitors, printers, and more.

The power cable is compatible with any three-pin power connector equipment.

There is a three-pronged grounded plug at one end, which you must connect to a power outlet.

The other end comes with a three-pin female connector connected to your device.

The power supply cable has a conductor generally made of aluminum or copper.

The outer layer comprises a protective coating covering the entire length.

The wires are also heavy-duty, but you shouldn’t expose them to moisture or physical damage.

Check the connector of your device or read the user manual to determine which type of power supply cable connector you need.

We have given you an excellent course on SATA cables and different power supply cables.

Now the time has come to take things further in the next chapter.

CHAPTER 4 – SATA Cable—Extending Knowledge

 The time has come to embark on the final quest for everything related to SATA and power supply cables.

Therefore, this chapter presents a few more things you ought to know! 

4.1 Xbox One Power Cable

Xbox One has a power adapter that transforms AC to DC and sends it to your device.

Then you will see a 1.1 meters long DC power cord that comes from the adapter and connects to your Xbox One.

Another detachable AC power cord is around 1.2 meters long and connects to the power source.

The other end of this cable is connected to the 100 – 240 V power adapter.

So you can separately purchase the AC power cable though Microsoft recommends using only genuine replacements.

Most noteworthy, the connector plug that goes into your wall’s electric outlet can differ according to the electrical standards of different countries.

4.2 In-Wall Power Cord and Cable Kit

If you want to do a professional job setting up your TV or audio systems, an in-wall power cord, and cable kit can be handy.

The kit has power cables, sealing tubes, power cords, fish duct tapes, gaskets, and everything to complete your job.

The idea is to set up a cable system through the tube where the wires don’t make a mess.

Cells fit into your walls effortlessly, and you can run the power cables through the tubing from the power outlet to your device.

Furthermore, you can run coaxial cables, audio-video cables anything of the sort through the tubes to hide them from people’s sight. And the result is a neat, clean wall with a perfect electrical system.

4.3 AC Power Cable

AC power cables are used for transmitting AC to compatible devices.

Remember the discussion we had about Computer and CPU power cords?

It is the same cable for devices like computers, monitors, printers, scanners, and any equipment that uses a three-pin connector plug.

Cables come with a 3-point female connector that connects to your device.

AC Power Cable

4.4 Xbox 360 Power Cable

Xbox 360 has a power adapter similar to the Xbox One.

And the adapter connects with a DC power cable that directly plugs into your Xbox 360.

You will also find another AC power cable that goes into the power outlet in your wall, supplying electricity to the adapter.

4.5 Porter Cable Power Tool

Porter is a leading American power tool manufacturer selling different types of equipment to complete your electrical tasks.

Tools are heavy-duty and feature high-quality motors and parts.

You can get small drillers, circular saws, reciprocating saws, flashlights, compressors- anything and everything you need to install your cables and wires.

The instruments run on lithium-ion batteries, which retain a charge for a long time.

4.6 Power over Ethernet Cable

Power over Ethernet or PoE cables is used to transmit data and electricity over a network to devices such as computing systems, VoIP phones, and security cameras.

The same power cable carries data and electricity to any device connected to the Ethernet network.

The setup can also be done for wireless networks using a PoE splitter and power cable hooked to a wireless access point.

PoE cable is the same Ethernet cable with twisted pair cabling.

After reading the guide, you must wonder how to purchase SATA cables and related considerations.

We will cover the topic for your convenience in the next chapter.

PoE Cable

CHAPTER 5 – Where to Buy SATA Cable

Let’s start with some tips for buying SATA cables. 

5.1. Buying Tips

• Don’t use cheap thin wires that might cause data or power loss.
• Check the different versions of SATA cables. Some have speeds of 1.5 GB/s, while the new versions support up to 6 GB/s.
• As long as you have a good quality wire, there is not much difference between the 3 GB/s and 6 GB/s SATA cable.
• Check out the connectors to ensure they are compatible with your device and power outlet.
• You can use the same SATA cable for different compatible devices.
• Compare the price of different dealers to get a good deal.

5.2. Going in for the Expert Help

If you cannot find a SATA cable matching your preferences or need a custom one, we can help you.

We can create custom SATA and power supply cables that match your device or equipment for residential and commercial purposes.

So, please get in touch with us today for more information.

Conclusion

 Your course on SATA cables has come to an end.

We have discussed the different types of SATA cables for hard drives and SSDs and the power cables for various devices.

Now, you have become an expert on SATA cables and will find no problem handling your cable requirements.

Maybe you can even help your friends with their cable installations and get custom cables of different types, including SATA cables, from us for your home and office needs.

Consequently, contact us for a complete overview of our products and find out what we can do for you!