3.2Configuring the drive

Each drive on the Serial ATA interface connects point-to-point with the Serial ATA host adapter. There is no master/slave relationship because each drive is considered a master in a point-to-point relationship. If two drives are attached on one Serial ATA host adapter, the host operating system views the two devices as if they were both “masters” on two separate ports. Both drives behave as if they are Device 0 (master) devices.

Serial ATA drives are designed for easy installation. It is usually not necessary to set any jumpers on the drive for proper operation; however, if you connect the drive and receive a “drive not detected” error, your SATA- equipped motherboard or host adapter may use a chipset that does not support SATA speed autonegotiation. If you have a motherboard or host adapter that does not support autonegotiation:

Install a jumper as shown in Figure 3 below to limit the data transfer rate to 1.5 Gbits per second (and leave the drive connected to the SATA-equipped motherboard or host adapter that doesn’t support autonegotiation) or

Install a SATA host adapter that supports autonegotiation, leave the drive jumper block set to “Normal operation” (see Figure 3 below), and connect the drive to that adapter. This option has the benefit of not limiting the drive to a 1.5 Gbits/sec transfer rate.

3.0 Gbits per second operation

Limit data transfer rate to 1.5 Gbits per second

Jumper block

SATA power connector

SATA interface connector

Figure 3. Serial ATA connectors

3.3Serial ATA cables and connectors

The Serial ATA interface cable consists of four conductors in two differential pairs, plus three ground connec- tions. The cable size may be 30 to 26 AWG with a maximum length of one meter (39.37 inches). See Table 8 for connector pin definitions. Either end of the SATA signal cable can be attached to the drive or host.

For direct backplane connection, the drive connectors are inserted directly into the host receptacle. The drive and the host receptacle incorporate features that enable the direct connection to be hot pluggable and blind mateable.

For installations which require cables, you can connect the drive as illustrated in Figure 4.

Signal connector

Power connector

Signal cable

Power cable

Figure 4. Attaching SATA cabling

Each cable is keyed to ensure correct orientation. DB35.3 Series Serial ATA drives support latching SATA con- nectors.

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Seagate ST3400820SCE, ST3250820SCE, ST3300820SCE, ST3750640SCE manual Configuring the drive, Serial ATA cables and connectors

ST3400820SCE, ST3300820SCE, ST3750840SCE, ST3250820SCE, ST3750640SCE specifications

Seagate’s series of hard drives, including the ST3320820SCE, ST3500830SCE, ST3750640SCE, ST3250820SCE, and ST3750840SCE, comprise a robust lineup designed for both consumer and professional use.

The ST3320820SCE model features a storage capacity of 320GB and operates at a rotational speed of 7200 RPM, allowing for faster data access and improved overall performance. This drive is equipped with SATA interface, providing higher data transfer rates and enhanced connectivity options. Its 8MB cache enhances read and write speeds, thus making it suitable for multitasking environments.

In comparison, the ST3500830SCE offers a larger capacity with 500GB storage. This drive is also based on the same 7200 RPM speed standard, ensuring optimal performance for both gaming applications and data-heavy tasks. The SATA interface remains a central feature, promoting seamless integration into a range of PC configurations.

The ST3750640SCE takes the storage capabilities further, offering a generous 750GB space. It shares similar technological advancements such as the SATA interface and 7200 RPM speed, making it ideal for users needing extensive storage for multimedia files, software applications, and backups. The reliable performance alongside its increased capacity makes it a favored choice among professionals.

The ST3250820SCE model is targeted towards those needing a balance between performance and cost-efficiency. With a 250GB capacity, this drive provides ample space for everyday usage while maintaining a robust 7200 RPM speed and 8MB cache. This makes it an ideal option for entry-level systems and general-purpose computing.

Lastly, the ST3750840SCE offers up to 750GB of space, similar to the ST3750640SCE, but also incorporates advanced technologies for enhanced reliability and durability. This includes features like Seagate's Smart Align technology, which optimizes the drive's performance by efficiently managing data, especially with modern 4K sector drives.

Overall, these Seagate models cater to a wide spectrum of users, from casual home users to professionals requiring reliable and high-performance storage solutions. With a combination of speed, capacity, and innovative technologies, they stand out as solid choices in the hard drive market.