How to Tell if a SATA Cable is rated at 6GB/s?

A SATA cable is used to connect SATA-based cables (mainly hard cables, and solid-state cables) to a computer. These days SATA 3 is utilized by most users for their cable and cables. The reason for the popularity of SATA 3 is because of its next level data transfer speed which is 6GB/s. 

The maximum data transfer rate supported by SATA 3 is 6GB/s. Sometimes the data transfer rate can decrease as well. So the thing is, how can you determine if your SATA cable is rated at 6 GB/s?

Well if you want to check if your SATA Cable is rated at 6GB/s then this article will be of great use for you. In this guide we will discuss different methods to determine if a SATA cable is rated at 6GB/s or not? So, let’s get started.

How to Tell if a SATA Cable is rated at 6GB/s?

SATA is the most reliable way to establish a connection between your storage devices and your motherboard. It is quite easy for some people to differentiate between SATA 1, 2 and 3 cables. The main difference between these cables is the data transfer rate.

However, sometimes it can be difficult for some people to distinguish between the types of SATA cable. The latest version among these is SATA 3 with a high-end transfer rate of 6 GB/s of data transfer while SATA 1 has a 1.5 GB/s and SATA 2 has a 3 GB/s of data transfer rate.

Following are ways through which you can check if your SATA 3 is rated at 6 GB/s or not. 

• 6GB Transfer Rate

The first method to check if your SATA cable is rated 6 GB/s is to check its transfer rate.

A SATA 3 provides 6 GB/s of data transfer rate when used with a supported motherboard. While SATA 1 and SATA 2 provide a data transfer rate of 1.5 GB/s and 3 GB/s respectively.

If you don’t know how to determine the data transfer rate of your SATA cable then there is no need to get worried. You can easily check the speed of your cable by following the methods mentioned below:

Method – 1: SATA Connectors

The first method to find the speed of your SATA cable is to check through SATA connectors. 

You can find out the information related to your SATA cable next to the SATA connectors on the motherboard. If it shows 6GB then it is SATA 3, and if it shows 3GB then it is SATA 2.

Method – 2: By Using HWINFO Software

The second way to find out the data speed of your SATA 3 cable is by using the HWINFO software. First of all, download and install the software. After the installation process is finished, launch the tool. On the left side of your screen you will see the Motherboard section while on the right side of your screen the info related to your SATA ports will be displayed. 

If 6 GB/s is written near the SATA port then it means you are using a SATA 3 port. If 3 GB/s is written then it means you are using a SATA 2 port.

• Comes with Backward Compatibility

The second thing to check in a rated 6 GB/s SATA cable is if it supports backward compatibility or not.

Backward compatibility means the ability of a system (hardware or software) to utilize interfaces and data from its previous version.

In the case of the latest SATA 3 cable, it uses backward compatibility which means it can transfer data at the speeds of the previous SATA cables as well. For instance, 1.5 GB/s and 3 GB/s data transfer rate is supported by SATA 3 cables.

• It has a locking latch

Another way to check if your SATA cable is rated 6 GB/s is to check if it has a locking metal latch on one end or both ends of the cable. 

When the SATA cable is connected with a SATA port then the seven pin connectors of a latch lock. The purpose of adding this feature is to provide extra support and fitting so that even if the cable becomes loose, your connection is not interrupted. The locking latch also avoids any accidental connection between the motherboard and your storage drive.

You can check if your SATA 3 cable is equipped with a locking latch or not, because the previous SATA cable versions didn’t offer this feature.

• Presence of 90-degree Angled Connector

The fourth way is to check if your SATA cable comes with a 90 degree angled connector or not.

A SATA 6 GB/s cable comes up with a 90 degree SATA connector (either right-angled or left-angled). The 90 degree angle connector is located on one end of the SATA cable while on the other end of the cable comes with a straight connector. 

The purpose of having a 90-degree angled-connector is to help your SATA drive to adjust in hard to reach areas. The angled connector is no doubt an amazing feature and it is only seen in SATA 3 cables. The previous models of SATA cables didn’t have this feature in them.

• Durable Build-Quality

The sixth method is to check if the construction quality of your SATA cable is durable, and with a low-profile body or not.

SATA 6 GB/s cables have a flat and durable construction as compared to the previous models of SATA cables. The SATA 3 cables come with a low-profile body in order to provide an enhanced airflow with less clutter in your computer’s casing. The construction style of the SATA 3 cable helps to keep your PC casing clean and cool.

You can check the design of your SATA cable to know if it is rated at 6 GB/s speed or not. A 6 GB/s SATA cable has a flat and durable design which is not seen in the previous models.

• Different Lengths

Another way to determine if your SATA cable is rated 6 GB/s is to check its length.

SATA 6 GB/s cables are available in different lengths. The availability of different sizes is to provide better flexibility while adjusting the cable in your computer’s case. 

The previous models of SATA cables (SATA 1 and SATA 2) were restricted to 18 inches (0.46) meters in size. Meanwhile the latest version has different size lengths ranging up to 1 meter making it easy to distinguish between the other models of SATA cable.

• Check its Label

The last method to confirm if your SATA cable is rated 6 GB/s is to check its label.

The reason why is because SATA 3 cables now come with a proper label on them which tells if your cable is rated 6 GB/s or not. But sometimes people sell SATA 2 cables having a label of SATA 3 cables. The only way to get the original SATA 3 cable is to purchase from a trusted seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all SATA cables rated at 6 GB/s?

No, not all SATA cables are rated at 6 GB/s. There are a total of three types of SATA cable, i.e., SATA 1, SATA 2, and SATA 3. SATA 1 cable provides a data transfer speed of 1.5 GB/s while a SATA 2 cable provides a data transfer speed of 3 GB/s. On the contrary, a SATA 3 cable offers a 6 GB/s data transfer speed. All of the SATA cables differ in their data transfer speeds.

What is SATA 6 GB/s cable called?

A SATA 6 GB/s cable is known as the third generation of SATA. It is used for connecting a hard drive with a motherboard.

What is the difference between red and black SATA cables?

Technically, there is no difference in red, black or green SATA cables. This is because SATA cable types come in different sorts of colors such as black, yellow, blue, red, green, and sometimes orange as well. 

On the contrary, some of the SATA cables glow in the dark as well. The reason for a different color is to differentiate among the devices connected to your device through the SATA cable. There is no other purpose for SATA cable color.

Is SATA 2 fast enough for an SSD?

Yes, a SATA 2 is definitely a good choice for a SSD drive. It has a data transfer speed of 3 GB/s. It is better than SATA 1 cable. However if you want something more advanced then try using the SATA 3 cable instead.

Which one is faster, SATA or NVMe?

As compared to SATA, NVMe drives are around six times faster. They boot drives at an outstanding speed with better performance as compared to SATA.

Conclusion

So this was all about the methods you can use to determine if your SATA cable is rated 6 GB/s or not. I hope that by the end of this article you will be successful in knowing the type of your SATA cable. 

If you have any questions or queries then let us know in the comments section, we will love to hear from you.