Can I use a SATA HDD, or am I limited to PATA

[WeirdClayJisKOO]

I have an acer aspier 5102 WMLi. It currently has a 120Gb 4200rpm PATA HDD. I would like to upgrade to a 160GB 5400rpm HDD. From what i've read SATA is better for preformance. Is this true? and if so, how can I know if my computer is capable of using a SATA HDD? Thanks

 

[Trotter]

Doubtful that your lappy has the right connections. SATA is faster than PATA (or just ATA), but it is a newer spec.

 

[WeirdClayJisKOO]

i figured laptop wouldn't have SATA. are all 2.5" HDDs PATA?

 

[b1gapl]

No, but the ones that are SATA are pretty pricey. You're better off buying a regular SATA hard drive and an external enclosure.

 

[WeirdClayJisKOO]

yea. i would do that, but my current HDD is 4200 and i want one thats faster for an internal. how can i tell if my laptop can take a SATA drive? so i can at least know if i have that option.