Serial ATA, or SATA, is a computer bus interface that connects storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives to the motherboard. It replaced the older Parallel ATA (PATA) standard, offering faster data transfer rates and improved efficiency. SATA cables are thinner and more flexible, allowing for better airflow within computer cases. SATA supports various speeds, with the most common versions being SATA I, II, and III, which provide maximum transfer rates of 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 Gbps, respectively. This technology is widely used in personal computers, laptops, and servers, making it a crucial component in modern computing.