native command queuing (hard disk) (NCQ)

Native Command Queuing (NCQ) is a queuing method that is used in hard disk drives to increase the write/read speed.

In the NCQ process, an algorithm decides the order in which requests and commands that are sent to the hard disk at the same time are processed. The algorithm optimizes the movement of the read/write heads and thus reduces unnecessary head movements, improves data throughput and reduces latency times.

The NCQ process is mainly used for hard disks with SATA interfaces and must be enabled in the BIOS and supported by the controller and the hard disk.