Serial ATA / SATA is the next -generation internal storage connection, designed to replace parallel ATA (40 way IDE) technology. SATA is the evolution of the ATA interface from a parallel bus to a serial bus architecture. It is smarter, faster, smaller and cooler with only 7 pins (compared to 40 pin IDE), and it uses less voltage. Every SATA device or IDE conversion uses an individual cable, so there is no need for master/slave, or jumper settings. This data cable simply connects a SATA motherboard to a SATA Hard Drive. The power cable will convert a standard 5.25" connection to a Serial ATA connection. This combination is all you need to connect any SATA HDD to a SATA motherboard or SATA PCI connection.