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Introduction
HP introduced SATA technology for internal mass storage devices in HP Compaq Business PCs in 2003.
SATA replaced the old PATA (Parallel ATA) interface as the industry standard interface between a com-
puter system and a mass storage device. This high performance interface has proven to be reliable and is
well accepted.
The next logical step in SATA technology is to apply it to external mass storage devices, leading to eSATA
(External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) technology. Both the HP Compaq dc7900 Business PC
Small Form Factor (SFF) and Convertible Minitower (CMT) form factors have full eSATA support.
Benefits of eSATA
There are many competing external storage device interfaces in the market. eSATA provides the following
benefits over other interfaces:
• Higher bandwidth
• Up to 2 meter shielded cables and connectors
The following table compares bandwidths between different external storage device interfaces.
Figure 1 Bandwidth comparison for external hard drive interfaces
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