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Anyone have any experience w/ 24"+ IDE cables?

W

Windogg

Lifer
I will be building a server based on IDE drives. The case is pretty big (Chenbro Ultra) and I was wondering if anyone has used 24" or longer IDE cables? I know the official IDE standard is 18". I've read mixed reviews from various people that ranged from "very slow" to "works perfectly for years" and in extreme cases "didn't work at all."

The server will have 5 x 40GB IBM 60GXPs (RAID5) and 1 x 40GB 60GXP as a hotspare. The boot drive will be 2 x 20GB Maxtors (RAID1). I know the SCSI people will jump in and say SCSI is the way to go but this server will basically be a big file dump for user backup. I basically want a pseudo SAN appliance. I checked the Quantum Snaps which use IDE drives but there are not flexible or cost effective.

Anyone tried longer cables?

Windogg
 


<< Anyone tried longer cables? >>



Only with SCSI, which BTW you should use with a server especially since you're using RAID5! I knew that's not what you wanted to hear! 😛

Yes, I've used 24&quot; IDE cables but not any faster than UDMA2. The longer the cable and the more devices attached increases the risk of trouble. Something you definitely do NOT want in a server.

Cheers!
 
I had 3 IBM's in a Chenbro case for the last 5 months with no problems using 24&quot; cables. I know the maximum recommended length is only 18&quot;, but there was no way to stretch those things in a tower.

I don't use the Chenbro right now though, so I've only had 5 months to report on.
 
sharkeeper, heh heh.. I expected that response. 🙂 SCSI would be nice but the cost is prohibitive for the same amount of storage and security. The estimated cost is an additional $3000 - $3500 to upgrade to SCSI. I'm pushing for it but the beancounters can't see beyond dollar and cents.

Dug, what drives are you using them with? Are both connectors being used?

Adul, Here ya go buddy. The thing is a beast. I plan to dump in the highest CFM fans (60mm Deltas, 80mm Deltas, and 92mm Paneflos). I think the estimated airflow is beyond 1000CFM. Way overkill but it'll look damn neat. 🙂
 
Oh, I pretty much need that case because I plan on having 8 x HDD in hot swap drive sleds. 1 x CD-ROM (or CD-RW), and a Quantum DLT drive (5.25&quot; full height). The RAID card is full length. The dual 400w PS will be pwering this beast.
 
Hm... its hard to understand why a longer cable would work slower or even not work at all. Im running some 24&quot; 80 conductor ones, works just like a regular 18&quot; to me.
 
LXi, from my understanding, there is not enough juice going through and the drives slowdown because data needs to be retransmitted or to fix errors. If you don;t mind me asking, what drives are you running?

Thanks.

Windogg
 
i've seen 36-inch cables here.

heard the longer the cable, the better the insulation u need.

have heard of many ppl using 24-inch cables w/ no probs.
 
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