SATA vs EIDE..what is the performance difference?

[FX5900]

2 HD's with the same exact specs, but one is SATA and one is EIDE....how much faster/better is SATA? Never used SATA, so I'm just curious cuz i might get me a MOBO with SATA.. thanks!

 

[Guden Oden]

There is pretty much zero difference. The limiting factor is the drive mechanics (and firmware), not the interfaces connecting it to the computer.

SATA is overall a neater solution, that's all. It has thinner cables and you don't need to fiddle with master/slave jumper crap either. It's simply a more "high-tech" solution in general.

 

[Ninjagnu]

If you get a MB and HD with support for NCQ then that will be faster though

 

[swaaye]

NCQ is not faster from what the reviewers have been seeing.

 

[Guden Oden]

NCQ leads to slow-downs under typical desktop user scenarios, don't fall for the hype...

It's good for servers tho, but that's a different beast entirely.