How to determine if HD is PATA or SATA? Speed?

[2think]

I wish I came across this knowledge-rich forum years ago. Kudos to Bill Morrow and all the folks supporting this forum.

The Hard Drive FAQ says modern hard drives (HD) come in either of two types: PATA or SATA. How do I determine HD type PATA or SATA and speed? I tried AcessIBM>System information>advanced and found no reference to type PATA or SATA. When reviewing AccessIBM>Warranty&Parts, a parts list comes up and describes HD as part 13N6801 having a speed of 4200 RPM. IBM lenovo site shows speed is 5400 RPM for the same thinkpad model. PC-Doctor offered no information on type or speed of HD.

[pianowizard]

Look up "13N6801" on Google and you'll see that it is PATA and 5400 rpm.

In general, I go to "Start" --> "Programs" --> "Accessories" --> "System Tools" --> "System Information" --> "Components" --> "Storage" --> "Disks" to find the model of the hard drive, and then Google it up. Another way is getting into the BIOS.

[RealBlackStuff]

SATA connectors are about a 1/4 width of a PATA connector.
See the pictures in this
post