SATA vs USB

Which external drive connection is faster, a SATA connection or a USB 2.0 connection? What are the benefits of these two options.
Thanks
Ted

I see no benefit to using USB 2.0 whatsoever. I even bought a Firewire connector for my iPod.
Like Rick said, there's no contest between SATA and USB 2.0, it's more like comparing an aging snail vs. that fighter jet. The old Firewire 400 standard is even faster than USB 2.0, average speeds between the two are: Firewire 38Mb/sec and USB 33Mbs/sec.
SATA is an absolute animal on speed and S.M.A.R.T. status is even supported unlike the other two...
USB 2.0 isn't as reliable as the old Firewire either and it still can't boot a Mac, though this might change with the IntelMacs eventually.
Stick with SATA, you can't lose. I have a Raptor 150 in a SATA case and it kills all my other drives internal or external.

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Last edited by NaOH (2013-02-12 00:47:09)

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As for the speed difference :
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SATA vs USB

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