[Soekris] Should I use a SATA or PATA harddisk?

[Chris Babcock]

Pieter Verberne wrote:
> Hi list,
> 
>>From Soekris Wiki:
> net5501 supports PATA or SATA (this is connected by a bridge to PATA;
> you can't use both ports and a CF; it is possible to use one PATA and
> one SATA drive together with a workaround).
> 
> Uhmm.. So if I connect a SATA harddrive I get something like this?:
> SataHD -> SATA port > SATA2PATA-bridge > Soekris-device
> ..right?
> 
Yes

> Does this mean I won't get better preformance when I use SATA instead of
> PATA?
> 
 From a pure performance perspective, any single 2.5in drive you would 
install is going to be unable to saturate either the PATA or SATA 
controller interface on a Soekris.

However, I have always had better experience with SATA interfaces.  The 
cables are far more durable.  They are also much easier to work with and 
  restrict airflow less.  Moreover, some newer drives are now coming 
exclusively with SATA interfaces, so you may be required to use SATA if 
you drive of choice is made that way.

So, I would recommend using a SATA drive over a PATA drive if you have a 
choice, but not for performance reasons.

Also, keep in mind that while there is a price difference between 
consumer SATA and consumer PATA that difference is quite small.  The 
price difference between a consumer rated drive and a drive rated for 
24x7 use is usually quite large.

For example, I can get a Seagate ST9160823ASG  (160GB) for about $120 
pretty easily.  This is a consumer rated drive, if you run this 24x7 
don't be surprised if it dies prematurely.  If you put serious load on 
it (like say a mail or file server), you can EXPECT it to die pretty 
quickly.  On the other hand, we use Fujitsu MHY2160BS (also, 160GB) 
drives in some of our Soekris units.  These drives usually go for about 
$250.  Yes, drives that are really rated for 24x7 use with real load are 
over twice the price.

> So my question: Should I buy a PATA or a SATA harddrive? I think SATA is
> a bit more expensive. I want +/- 160GB space, it should be durable and
> 24/7 on.  (Do 'PATA 7200 rpm hard drives' actually exist?)
> 
> Pieter Verberne
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