Mini SATA or mSATA is a variant of the SATA interface commonly used in solid-state drives (SSDs) in portable devices like laptops, tablets, and netbooks. It is also known as Mini-Serial ATA.
While mSATA and Mini PCI Express (mPCIe) use the same plug and socket, they have different electrical signaling. However, M.2 has replaced mSATA as a more popular form factor for SSDs.
FAQs about Mini SATA
What devices use Mini SATA?
Mini SATA is commonly used in portable electronics like laptops, netbooks, and tablets. It can also be found in industrial computers and embedded systems.
Is mSATA still relevant?
While M.2 has largely replaced mSATA as a form factor for SSDs, there are still some devices that use mSATA. However, if you’re upgrading your laptop or building a new desktop, M.2 is the recommended form factor.
What are the advantages of Mini SATA?
mSATA was popular due to its small size, making it ideal for portable electronics and embedded systems. It also offered a higher speed than traditional hard drives, improving system performance.
Final Thoughts
Mini SATA or mSATA was a popular form factor for SSDs in portable devices but has been largely replaced by M.2. However, it’s still used in some devices like industrial computers and embedded systems. If you’re upgrading your laptop or building a new desktop, M.2 is the recommended form factor for SSDs due to its high speed and availability.
