SATA is still the most economical way to add capacity or replace a failed disk in a server, storage shelf or workstation. A SATA SSD gives you flash response times on any controller with a SATA port. A 7.2K SATA HDD gives you capacity at the lowest cost per terabyte. The notes below cover how to match the drive to the job, and how SATA fits alongside SAS in the same chassis.
At a glance
Typical deployments
Boot and OS mirrors
A pair of modest SATA SSDs in RAID 1 is the standard boot volume for hypervisors and Windows Server. Capacity barely matters here. Endurance and a matched pair matter more. Our guide to how RAID controllers handle mirrors and arrays explains the options.
Virtualisation datastores
Many VMs on shared storage produce random I/O that a spindle can't keep up with. Choose mixed use enterprise SSDs such as the Samsung SM863 480GB. They are built for sustained writes and keep steady latency under load. A 2TB SATA SSD per bay is a sensible balance of capacity and price.
File, backup and archive
Sequential workloads suit 7.2K SATA hard drives. Prioritise capacity and consistent models across the array. A 2TB SATA drive such as the Seagate Exos 7E2000 ST2000NX0253 fits SFF bays. LFF chassis can take larger 3.5-inch disks for the lowest cost per terabyte.
Like-for-like replacements
When a disk fails in a ProLiant or PowerEdge array, match the OEM part number so the controller and management tools recognise the replacement. Refurbished HPE hard drives such as the HPE 4TB 7.2K SATA 872772-001 are listed against the generations they were sold for.
Why buy from Compuwyze
- 12-month return to base warranty on drives and other simple items
- Free UK delivery on orders over £50
- We aim to ship simple items the same day when you order before 2pm
- UK delivery is normally next working day once shipped
- International economy and priority shipping via FedEx
- 30-day returns (return shipping is paid by the customer)
SATA drive FAQs
What is a SATA solid state drive?
It is flash storage that connects through the same SATA interface and power connector as a hard drive. A SATA SSD drops into existing bays and controllers with no new hardware. The 6Gb/s link caps throughput below NVMe, but access times are far better than any spinning disk.
Is a SATA SSD better than a SATA HDD?
For boot volumes, databases and VMs, yes. Random I/O is where SSDs pull far ahead. For backups, media and archive data, a 7.2K SATA HDD still gives you much more capacity for the money. Many servers use both.
Are SATA SSDs still worth buying?
Yes, if your server or storage has SATA or SAS bays rather than NVMe. That covers most chassis from the last decade. Upgrading those bays to SSD is usually the cheapest performance gain available. For the differences between drive classes, read our enterprise vs consumer SSD guide.
Is a SATA SSD the same as any other SSD?
No. SSD describes the flash storage, and SATA describes the interface. SSDs also come in SAS and NVMe versions, which use different connectors and controllers. Check your bay type before you order.
Can I use SATA drives in a SAS server?
Generally, yes. SAS controllers and backplanes usually accept SATA drives, but a SAS drive will not work on a SATA-only controller. Avoid mixing SATA and SAS drives within one array. If you need dual-port or higher-endurance disks, see our refurbished SAS drives.
What does SATA 300 mean?
SATA 300 is the older 3Gb/s SATA II standard. SATA III drives normally run on these ports at the lower link speed. Hard drives lose little performance on SATA II. SSDs will be limited by the slower link.