While parallel data transfers are theoretically faster than serial transfers the older Parallel ATA (PATA) was limited to a maximum data transfer rate of 133 Mbps. Serial ATA (SATA) was introduced in 2003 and rapidly replaced PATA as the dominant standard not least of which was because of the more than tenfold increase in speed to 1.5 Gbps. As an added bonus the smaller connectors and thinner cables made it far easier to route and connect cables within a computer case turning what had usually been a rat's nest of wide ribbon cables into a more manageable group of cables which improved air circulation and system cooling. This 18" internal SATA cable is certified for 1.5 Gbps speeds and is suitable for connection to hard drives optical drives and other internal SATA 1.5 Gbps devices.