How to install SATA Hard disk into a PC

What is SATA?

Serial ATA (SATA) is a disk-interface technology offering improved performance over parallel ATA (ATA) interface technology. SATA supports all ATA and ATAPI devices, including

HDDs,
CDs, DVDs, tapes devices, high capacity removeable devices, and CDRW's.

Improvements over ATA

Performance - A faster transfer rate. Smaller cabling - Cabling is significantly narrower and has smaller end connectors.

Longer cable length - Maximum cable length is 22 inches longer.

Single drive support - Each connector supports a single drive. There is no master/slave arrangement as with ATA. Lower power requirements - Power requirement is significantly lower.

What you need?

A Phillips screwdriver and four 6-32 UNC drive mounting screws. A Serial ATA interface cable. Maximum length is 39 inches (1 meter). A Serial ATA-compatible power cable or adapter. A version of Windows with FAT32 or NTFS file system. A system with a motherboard that has a Serial ATA connector on it, or a Serial ATA host adapter and available PCI slot in which to install the adapter.

A Serial ATA interface cable

A Serial ATA-compatible power cable