Input/Output Interfaces

5.2SATA Interfaces

These systems provide four serial ATA (SATA) interfaces that support tranfer rates up to 3.0 Gb/s and offer RAID data protection functionality. The SATA interface duplicates most of the functionality of the EIDE interface through a register interface that is equivalent to that of the legacy IDE host adapter.

5.2.1 SATA Connector

The standard 7-pin SATA connector is shown in the figure below.

Pin 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pin 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AB

Figure 5-1. 7-Pin SATA Connector (P60-P63 on system board).

Table 5-1.

7-Pin SATA Connector Pinout

Pin

Description

Pin

Description

 

 

 

 

1

Ground

6

RX positive

 

 

 

 

2

TX positive

7

Ground

 

 

 

 

3

TX negative

A

Holding clip

 

 

 

 

4

Ground

B

Holding clip

 

 

 

 

5

RX negative

--

--

 

 

 

 

5.2.2 AHCI/RAID Support

The SATA controller of the SB700 South Bridge can be set operate in either an IDE or AHCI RAID configuration. The AHCI RAID configuration supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for improving performance and/or reliability. Applied to systems with only one hard drive, AHCI RAID can improve system performance somewhat through use of native command queuing (NCQ). True fault tolerance requires the use of two or more hard drives to allow mirroring, parity, and/or striping.

CAUTION: Changing the storage mode should always be preceded by backing up all hard rive data onto secondary media.

RAID 0—Striping with Two Hard Drives

RAID 0 uses striping to improve performance but does not provide any fault tolerance. The lack of redundancy (a failed drive ruins the whole array) results in less than half the reliability of a single hard drive. Although these systems support RAID 0, it is not the recommended configuration.

 

5-2

www.hp.com

Technical Reference Guide

Page 52
Image 52
HP dc5850 manual Sata Interfaces, Sata Connector, AHCI/RAID Support, RAID 0-Striping with Two Hard Drives

dc5850 specifications

The HP dc5850 is a desktop computer that was designed for business environments, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and efficiency. Released during the height of the mid-2000s, this system is powered by AMD processors, particularly the Athlon or Phenom series, which ensures that it can handle various computational tasks with ease.

The dc5850 features a compact chassis that adheres to the Microtower form factor. This design not only saves space but also allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The unit typically supports a range of RAM configurations, with options for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility enables the user to tailor the system's performance according to their needs, whether for basic office tasks or more demanding applications.

Storage options on the HP dc5850 include a 3.5-inch HDD that can accommodate substantial data, with capacities typically ranging from 160GB to 1TB. The inclusion of a SATA interface ensures fast data transfer rates, which is essential for improving overall system performance. Moreover, the dc5850 boasts multiple USB ports, including USB 2.0 and sometimes even USB 3.0, facilitating easy connectivity with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives.

Graphics capabilities on the dc5850 are generally provided by integrated solutions, although users have the option to add discrete graphics cards for enhanced performance in visual tasks. The system often comes with integrated audio, which supports basic multimedia needs without requiring additional sound cards.

In terms of connectivity, the HP dc5850 features built-in Ethernet for wired networking and may also offer options for Wi-Fi capabilities via PCI expansion slots. This makes it suitable for networked business environments, enabling seamless integration into office infrastructures.

The system is designed with energy efficiency in mind, complying with various environmental standards, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect may also lead to lower operational costs for businesses focused on sustainability.

Overall, the HP dc5850 stands out as a versatile desktop solution, catering to the essential needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its combination of performance, expandability, and energy efficiency, it remains a noteworthy choice for users seeking reliable computing power in a compact and manageable form.