What Is the Difference Between SATA and RAID Controllers?

SATA and RAID controllers are two different types of hardware that are used with computers. Both controllers dictate or control how data storage units are used when they are attached to the computer or peripheral device. SATA stands for Serial ATA, while RAID means Redundant Array of Independent Disks.

In simplest terms, a SATA controller decides between multiple hard drives to determine the fastest way to relay the data. With a RAID controller, the data from the multiple hard drives is combined into one drive, which is selected to relay the data.

Here is a larger explanation of the difference between SATA and RAID controllers:

• SATA controllers can be thought of like a server at a restaurant – they have multiple customers (or, in this case, SATA drives) and they are in charge of deciding how best to relay information from those customers (drives) to the kitchen (or, in this case, to the user of the computer equipment.)
• RAID controllers, on the other hand, use multiple hard drives that are set up as copies of each other in case of damage. The RAID controllers simply have to decide which drive to pull data from most expediently, as all of the drives are copies.

Using SATA and RAID Controllers

SATA and RAID controllers are both considered to be hardware solutions. This means that they have a physical card, or device, that goes inside the computer and that controls the various drives to which the SATA/RAID controllers are connected.

There are also some types of drive controllers that are considered to be software solutions because they do not use a physical card. These controller solutions simply use software to connect and control the different data storage devices under their command.  

Choosing SATA or RAID

Many SATA cards come with RAID capability, meaning that they have the software pre-installed to control drives in a RAID set up without any further modification. 

You don't necessarily have to choose between SATA and RAID; however, you will need to determine the capability of the storage devices that you are using with a SATA or RAID controller.  For example, a SATA set up drive may or may not work with a RAID card in your computer, so you will need to match your hardware controller specifications to the actual data storage devices that you are going to control with the hardware controller.

If you already have drives that you are planning to use, it is probably best to choose the type of controller that is compatible with these existing drives, in order to save time and cost of replacement and back up of existing data and equipment.

If you are considering setting up a SATA or RAID controller, you will also want to make sure that your computer is capable of handling the data transfer and added data input from the different drives.  You may need to consider a motherboard update, or other type of internal hardware update, in order for your computer to handle the extra processing time requirements that will be added by the inclusion of arrays of serial or RAID drives.

Now you know the difference between SATA and RAID controllers and you also have a better idea of how and why SATA and RAID controllers are used in computers.