What type of connector is commonly used to connect an internal hard drive to the motherboard?

The commonly used connector for connecting an internal hard drive to the motherboard is SATA (Serial ATA). SATA has become the standard for internal drives due to its advantages over older technologies, such as PATA (Parallel ATA). SATA provides faster data transfer rates, improved cable management due to its thinner and more flexible design, and the ability to connect multiple drives in a straightforward manner.

SATA connectors are designed specifically for modern hard drives and solid-state drives, making them compatible with a wide variety of motherboards that support this interface. This ubiquity ensures that SATA is the preferred choice for installing internal storage solutions in desktops and laptops.

While PATA was used in older systems, it has largely been phased out in favor of SATA because of SATA's superior performance and ease of use. USB-C and Firewire connectors, on the other hand, are primarily used for external devices rather than for internal hard drive connections.