1.1About the Serial ATA interface

The Serial ATA interface provides several advantages over the traditional (parallel) ATA interface. The primary advantages include:

•Easy installation and configuration with true plug-and-play connectivity. It is not necessary to set any jump- ers or other configuration options.

•Thinner and more flexible cabling for improved enclosure airflow and ease of installation.

•Scalability to higher performance levels.

In addition, Serial ATA makes the transition from parallel ATA easy by providing legacy software support. Serial ATA was designed to allow you to install a Serial ATA host adapter and Serial ATA disc drive in your current system and expect all of your existing applications to work as normal.

The Serial ATA interface connects each disc drive in a point-to-point configuration with the Serial ATA host adapter. There is no master/slave relationship with Serial ATA devices like there is with parallel ATA. 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. This essentially means both drives behave as if they are Device 0 (master) devices.

Note. The host adapter may, optionally, emulate a master/slave environment to host software where two devices on separate Serial ATA ports are represented to host software as a Device 0 (master) and Device 1 (slave) accessed at the same set of host bus addresses. A host adapter that emulates a master/slave environment manages two sets of shadow registers. This is not a typical Serial ATA environment.

The Serial ATA host adapter and drive share the function of emulating parallel ATA device behavior to provide backward compatibility with existing host systems and software. The Command and Control Block registers, PIO and DMA data transfers, resets, and interrupts are all emulated.

The Serial ATA host adapter contains a set of registers that shadow the contents of the traditional device regis- ters, referred to as the Shadow Register Block. All Serial ATA devices behave like Device 0 devices. For addi- tional information about how Serial ATA emulates parallel ATA, refer to the “Serial ATA: High Speed Serialized AT Attachment” specification. The specification can be downloaded from www.serialata.org.

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DB35 Serial ATA Product Manual, Rev. E

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Seagate ST3300831SCE, ST3400832SCE, ST3250823SCE, ST3200826SCE manual About the Serial ATA interface
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ST3250823SCE, ST3400832SCE, ST3300831SCE, ST3200826SCE specifications

The Seagate ST3250823SCE, ST3300831SCE, ST3200826SCE, and ST3400832SCE are notable hard disk drives that exemplify Seagate's commitment to providing reliable storage solutions for both consumer and enterprise applications. These drives leverage advanced technologies and offer various characteristics that cater to different storage needs.

The ST3250823SCE is a 250GB SATA hard disk drive designed for entry-level servers and desktop applications. It features a 7200 RPM spindle speed, ensuring swift data access and enhanced overall system performance. The drive's 8MB cache improves read and write speeds, allowing for more efficient data handling. Designed with durability in mind, the ST3250823SCE incorporates features like error correction codes and advanced power management, ensuring reliable operation over time.

Moving on to the ST3300831SCE, this drive offers a capacity of 300GB and is tailored for slightly more demanding applications. Like its predecessor, it boasts a 7200 RPM rotational speed, which helps maintain optimal performance for everyday computing tasks. The ST3300831SCE is also equipped with a SATA interface, making it compatible with a wide range of systems. Notably, its improved read/write speeds assist in reducing system bottlenecks, making it a suitable option for users who require extra storage without compromising speed.

The ST3200826SCE stands as a solid 200GB choice, particularly focusing on budget-conscious consumers. This model retains similar features to other drives in this series, including the 7200 RPM speed and SATA connection. Its reliability is enhanced through built-in technologies aimed at reducing data loss, thereby offering peace of mind for users who store critical information. The ST3200826SCE serves well for standard desktop usage and is a reliable option for archived data storage.

Finally, the ST3400832SCE, with its generous 400GB capacity, is positioned as a robust solution for users needing more substantial storage. Like its siblings, it operates at 7200 RPM, promoting fast data transfers. This model is particularly suitable for multimedia applications, such as video editing or gaming, where higher storage capacity coupled with quick access times is essential. The drive's design also incorporates features that support thermal management, ensuring optimal performance under load.

In summary, the Seagate ST3250823SCE, ST3300831SCE, ST3200826SCE, and ST3400832SCE collectively represent a diverse range of storage solutions that emphasize speed, reliability, and efficiency. Each model caters to different storage requirements, ensuring that users can find an appropriate solution tailored to their needs. These drives are characterized by their 7200 RPM speeds, SATA interfaces, and advanced technologies aimed at safeguarding data, making them a solid choice for both everyday users and professionals.
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