What is the maximum speed supported by the SATA technology?

The correct answer reflects the maximum speed supported by the SATA technology, specifically SATA I. SATA (Serial ATA) has several iterations, and each version has different maximum speeds. SATA I, which is the original version of SATA, supports a maximum speed of 1.5 Gb/s.

While there are newer versions of SATA, such as SATA II with speeds of 3.0 Gb/s and SATA III reaching up to 6.0 Gb/s, the question explicitly asks about the foundational maximum speed that SATA technology started with. Therefore, understanding the distinctions between these versions is crucial in identifying the correct answer.

In this context, recognizing the bandwidth limitations of the earlier SATA specifications helps clarify why this particular response is the accurate choice.