Computers are sophisticated devices that provide many different elements. One of them is a SATA controller. What is this device like? How to work with him? How to take care of its speed? Here is an incomplete list of issues that will be addressed in our article.
What is a SATA controller?
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a technology by which storage devices such as a hard disk and optical wire can exchange data through a high-speed cable to the motherboard. Optimal is to use the connector with the smallest number. Ideal are SATA0 or SATA1. For
optical drives, it is possible to use other ports.
When working with hard drives, you must first use SATA0. It is installed on the system media. Each subsequent should have a figure one more and so on. If there are several hard drives and RAID mode is used to increase storage space, one wire is connected to the connector, and then everything else is connected to the controller.
Operating modes
The controllers determine how the hard drive will communicate with the motherboard. There can be three principles of interaction:
- SATA IDE controller operating mode. The easiest option. With it, the hard drive functions as an IDE or PATA. In this case, it has limited potential, and also does not differ in speed of work. But this mode is very valuable if it is necessary to ensure compatibility of interaction with equipment that is already outdated. You can also use it in cases where the computer has only one hard drive and you do not need to use the various functions of the drives.
- SATA AHCI controller operating mode. In this case, it becomes possible to use advanced drive functions. Examples include Native Command Queuing and hot swapping. Also, a significant advantage is the high speed of interaction (when compared with the previous option).
- RAID controller operation mode. With this configuration, you can create a single array of data storage from several separate hard drives. It is characterized by redundancy of information, as well as higher speed. The first is achieved by creating a backup of the hard disk, and the second by stratifying the disk space. When this mode works, then AHCI also functions with it.
Notes
Initially, it is necessary to establish a mode of operation in which the SATA controller for a laptop or computer will function correctly, and only then deal with the operating system. After all, if you do this later, then the OS may not work correctly until failure. So, this may be due to the fact that the disk driver will be disabled or the wrong BIOS parameter is used.
Causes of malfunctions
Let's say the PC has stopped working with the hard drive. There may be several reasons for this malfunction:
- Cables are loose.
- Winchester crashed.
- Does not work or severely slows down the SATA controller.
In the first version, it is necessary to check the cable tightness. In the second, most likely, you need to replace the device. And in the third - set the correct settings. For such changes, administrator rights are required. If they are, then you can proceed to resolve the malfunction.
How to enable the SATA controller in the BIOS of a computer?
Initially, you need to go into the BIOS. There is no single standard - each machine uses a separate special key for this. To find out, you need to read the instructions on the screen that occurs immediately after turning on the computer. Moreover, for a guaranteed result, it must be pressed more than once.
After the login is successful, you need to find the Integrated Peripherals item. If it is not, then anyone who is consonant in meaning will do. It contains all the parameters that relate to the internal capabilities of the motherboard. Now you need to find Onboard SATA Controller. If not, just look for any entry that says “SATA controller”. This parameter can only be set to Disabled and Enabled (respectively disabled and enabled). It must be ensured that it is activated.
To save changes, you can press F10 and the enter button. If this is not done, then the system itself will offer to perform these actions. After that, you should restart the computer and again go into the BIOS to make sure that the hard drive has been detected. You can understand this thanks to the item Standard CMOS Features. Now we know how to enable the SATA controller. Let's deal with the modes.
AHCI Connection
This is done with the help of the same BIOS. To make changes, go to the control window. After that, you need to look for IDE, AHCI or RAID. They must go with SATA. Additionally, the word "MODE" is used on some devices. We turn off the mode that we don’t need, but turn on the necessary one (on the contrary, change this by changing Disabled to Enabled and vice versa).
If, when you try to change the mode, a message is displayed stating that no drive is located, then the necessary drivers are missing. Therefore, you will need to go into the operating system and with administrator rights install them first. This can also be done using the OS installation disk. But still, the first option is less time-consuming. Also, do not forget that the changes made to the basic input / output system must be saved in order for them to take effect. How to do this was discussed in the previous paragraph.
In general, here's how to switch the SATA controller to AHCI mode or another, which will be necessary. At the same time, it is important to follow the instructions carefully so as not to touch anything superfluous. Now let's pay attention to two options that may come in handy when setting up your computer. Moreover, the main topic of the article has already been disclosed, and now we will deepen our knowledge.
SATA Controller Mode
This option is used to indicate the operating mode. We have already discussed this. Now let's pay attention to how and what works in this case. If you set the IDE mode, then there will be no need to use additional drivers when working with equipment that uses this technology. RAID mode is compatible with all operating systems starting with Windows 2000. The only peculiarity is that outdated media for drivers will be required here (if the equipment is the same year as the operating system). Otherwise, their role can be successfully performed by a Flash drive or a CD. But talking about creating a
RAID array makes sense only if there are at least two hard drives. The same brand and volume will positively influence their work. And even if the parties coincide with the firmware, these are ideal conditions for using this mode.
ANSI is a newer technology and is not compatible with older (relatively) systems. Due to the fact that this mode has a positive effect on the speed of technology, it is recommended to stay on it. Moreover, if RAID and ANSI can still be run on representatives of operating systems and computers since the 2000 generation, they will not help with Windows 9x: there are simply no drivers that combine the work of software and hardware. Please note that changes must be made before the OS is installed. If you change the mode when the operating system is already installed, you can find on your computer a "blue screen of death", which will display information about the error and the impossibility of correct operation. If you do not want to see him and demolish the OS, then you must force change the controller driver to the one that will work with the new settings.
The history of development
The first of the family of controllers is rightfully considered SATA 150. It is an interface that uses a serial data bus. It operates at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, thereby providing a bandwidth of 150 megabytes per second. The standard has spread thanks to a number of advantages that were not available in previous developments. Thus, the architectural advantages of the bus, the small size of the connectors and cable, ease of use and overall reliability of the connection played a role. Also, when two devices are connected to the same port, there are no conflicts and no problems.
The second generation SATA 300 delivers 300 megabytes in one second. Theoretically, both options are compatible, but problems are not excluded. But, in fairness, it is worth saying that even the most modern hard drives have not yet learned to act faster than 130 megabytes per second, so there is little point in chasing the numbers in this case. Therefore, when using controller types, there is no difference. The only thing that matters is what connects first.
Conclusion
SATA-controller, of course, is an important component of any computer. This is a device that allows us to access data that is of value. Also worthy of special attention is the success that the developers of this part have achieved in speed. In addition, this suggests that there is a significant reserve for increasing the capacity of hard drives without improving the data transfer technology, which makes it unlikely that it will become obsolete and unnecessary in the next few decades.