There are different interfaces of which hard drives can be connected to the motherboard of computers.
ATA- More commonly ATA-133, the newest version not compatible with ATA-100(phased out) Typically this setup uses a Ribbon cable, however there are "Round" cables that have been made to reduce the turbulence and promote airflow inside the cases. These drives typically do not spin faster than 7,200 RPMS.
SATA- Serial ATA, uses a thin small cable, typically red. This is the first version, and finding hardware that SATA I is difficult. these drives typicall do not spin faster than 7,200 RPMS
SATA II - AKA SATA 3.0 GB, Uses an identical cable, but transfers data much more quickly. Most hard drives and computer accessories that use SATA are SATA II. Typically SATA II is backwards compatible with SATA I. These drives are currently capable of spinning to a maximum of 10,000 RPMS
SATA III - AKA SATA 6GB/s, use a similar cable but transfers data at twice the rate of SATA II and four times the rate of SATA (first version). SATA III is also backwards compatible. In order to take full advantage of the SATA III technology it is necessary to have a SATA III motherboard, cable and HDD.
SCSI- Pronounced "SKUZZY" a high speed interface typically only used on High end workstations and servers. Has high bandwidth and uses ribbon cables similar in look to ATA, but has more pins and a different connector. Older versions for SCSI required "terminators" on the empty connectors however they are becomming less prevalent and are typically not used on the current SCSI 320 Format. These drives are typically the most expensive and rotate the fastest typically 15,000 RPM's
a cable for connecting a floppy drive to the computer motherboard.
A CD/DVD Rom drive is connected by either connecting an IDE or SATA data and power cable to the drive, the other end of the data cable is connected the a slot on the motherboard and the power cable already comes out of the PSU.
To start, the hard drive cable connects your hard drive to your motherboard. Its really simple.
The red stripe on an IDE cable indicates the "pin 1" side of the connector. This marking helps users correctly align the cable when connecting it to both the motherboard and the hard drive or optical drive, ensuring proper data transfer and functionality. Incorrectly connecting the cable can lead to device malfunction or data loss.
The cable connects between the motherboard of the computer and the hard-drive or optical drive.
Master.
fiber optic cable
An internal hard-drive fits into a bay inside the computer's tower. A power cable from the power unit is plugged into the hard-drive. A data cable plugs the hard-drive into the motherboard.
Answer: When using an 80-conductor cable-select cable, the drive nearest the motherboard is the master, and the drive farthest from the motherboard is the slave. You can recognize a cable-select cable by a small hole somewhere in the the data cable or by labels (master or slave) on the connectors. -CompTIA A+ Guide to Hardware, Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting Fifth Edition 2010 copyright - Jean Andrews, Ph.D.
The SATA connector cable, or whatever connector cable you have from the drive to the motherboard.
A 34-pin ribbon cable.
No the hard drive is attached to the motherboard via a IDE/SATA cable