Which connector is used to connect an internal hard drive to the motherboard?

The connector commonly used to connect an internal hard drive to the motherboard is SATA, which stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. SATA has become the standard interface for internal hard drives and solid-state drives due to its advantages over previous technologies. It offers faster data transfer rates, simpler cabling, and improved power management, which makes it more efficient in terms of space and energy usage.

SATA cables are thinner and more flexible than older connector types, allowing for better airflow in computer cases and facilitating easier installation and management of internal components. The increase in speed that SATA provides compared to older standards like IDE or PATA allows for quicker boot times and more efficient data handling for modern applications and operating systems.

Thus, for connecting internal storage devices to the motherboard, SATA is the most appropriate and commonly used choice in contemporary computer systems.