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SATA
In brief
SATA (Serial ATA) is an interface through which hard drives, SSDs, and optical drives are connected to the computer. It transmits data serially and replaced the older parallel ATA in the early 2000s. For IT decommissioning, SATA matters because the interface determines which erase commands a drive understands.
SATA at a glance
SATA came onto the market in 2003 and was accelerated over several generations. The third generation reaches up to 6 Gbit/s. That is quite sufficient for hard drives but throttles fast SSDs. That is why many current SSDs use NVMe over PCI Express instead.
| Interface | Typical use | Erase commands (selection) |
|---|---|---|
| SATA | HDDs, 2.5-inch SSDs, M.2 SSDs with SATA, optical drives | ATA Secure Erase, ATA Sanitize |
| SAS | Servers and storage systems | SCSI Sanitize, SCSI Format |
| NVMe | Fast SSDs, often in M.2 format | NVMe Format, NVMe Sanitize |
Caution with the format M.2: It describes only the form factor. An M.2 SSD can be connected via SATA or via NVMe.
Significance for erasure
SATA drives understand the ATA command set. This includes Secure Erase and, on newer models, the Sanitize command. Hidden areas such as HPA and DCO also exist on SATA drives. Professional erasure software detects the interface and selects the appropriate method. Second IT erases HDDs and SSDs with Blancco, including hidden areas, and issues a digitally signed erasure certificate for each device. More on the certified data deletion.
Frequently asked questions about SATA
What is the difference between SATA and NVMe?
SATA is an older interface with up to 6 Gbit/s that was originally developed for hard drives. NVMe uses PCI Express and is designed for fast flash storage. Both use different erase commands.
How can I recognize a SATA SSD?
2.5-inch SSDs are almost always SATA drives. For M.2 SSDs, the label, the data sheet, or the system information provides the answer.
Are SATA hard drives still worth anything?
That depends on capacity, age, and condition. After a certified erasure, working drives can be reused.
Is M.2 the same as SATA?
No. M.2 describes only the form factor of the drive. An M.2 SSD can be connected via SATA or via NVMe. The interface determines which erase commands the drive understands. Check this before erasure.
Which erase commands do SATA drives understand?
SATA drives understand the ATA command set. This includes Secure Erase and, on newer models, the Sanitize command. Hidden areas such as HPA and DCO also exist on SATA drives. Professional erasure software detects the interface and selects the appropriate method.
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