Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Internal Data Storage and other Data Storage topics.

IDE Hard Drives: Older and Replaceable

IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics. IDE was an earlier standard for connecting the hard drive to the rest of the computer. IDE drives, also called PATA hard drives, were the longtime standard for internal hard drives. However, beginnnig in 2003, IDE hard drives have gradually been replaced by a new standard, the SATA hard drive, which is seen as more efficient. Today, it's still possible to buy an IDE hard drive. But most newer computers are SATA compatible. If you want to upgrade your IDE hard drive with a new or additional drive, you'll need to either purchase a PATA drive or an SATA drive with a compatible PCI card.

Bottom line: IDE drives are still in use, but have largely been replaced by the SATA drive. If you're going to upgrade, go SATA.

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Data Storage Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Patricia Walters-Fischer

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!