Intel FSB533 Computer Hardware User Manual


 
Introduction
Page 1-4
Serial ATA
The evolutionary serial ATA interface replaces the standard parallel ATA physical
storage interface. The serial ATA specification provides scalability and allows
future enhancements to the computing platform. Serial technology overcomes
performance limits of parallel interface architecture, meeting the escalating need for
faster data throughput in servers and storage devices.
Serial ATA is backward compatible with current software and runs on existing
architecture without modification. The serial ATA interface cable requires lower
voltages and uses smaller cable connectors, providing ease of installation. You can
easily upgrade storage devices that are compatible with the serial ATA interface
specification.
Serial ATA is completely software compatible with parallel ATA, requiring no
modification to your operating system.
IEEE1394 (Optional)
IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus developed by Apple that allows users to
connect up to 63 devices to the serial bus on a PC. IEEE is sometimes called the
IEEE 1394 standard, the i.Link connector, FireWire, and the High Performance Serial
Bus (HPSB).
IEEE 1394 provides transfer rates up to 400Mbits/sec. IEEE 1394 provides enhanced
PC connectivity for consumer electronics audio/video (A/V) appliances, storage
peripherals, portable devices such as digital cameras, and inter-PC communications.
IEEE 1394 supports hot swapping, multiple speeds on the same bus, and isochro-
nous data transfer providing much needed bandwidth for multimedia operations.