are there differences in SATA cables?

[paradigmGT]

I was looking at ordering some cheapo SATA from meritline (china retailer), and then I started to think - what if there are differences in throughput ability?

So are there differences to watch for in cables?

Thanks

 

[Insert_Nickname]

So are there differences to watch for in cables?

No, there are few differences. But I would avoid the cheapest ones, as the plugs are usually pretty crappy. If you're buying for SATA3, make sure the cable is tested to support SATA3 (6 Gbps). You can get some strange issues with cheaper cables at SATA3 speeds. That's not to say it won't work, but its better to spend the extra $1 and be on the safe side... 😉

 

[garym]

I would agree that the main difference would be the connecter quality. Maximum PC did a test with different cables and lengths and found absolutely no difference between "certified SATA3 cables" and generic SATA cables. Check out the article: http://bit.ly/18fJyjh

 

[aigomorla]

SAS looks identical to sata in most cases yet cost 8X more.
This is the only time where price difference matters.
If your using a SAS drive you need SAS cables.

If your using a SATA drive, you can use SAS or SATA cables.

Otherwise no difference.

SATA cable is SATA cable.
The pins are the same, the cable is the same.

Dont get fooled cuz one is more expensive.
If its not a SATA vs SAS... then the only reason it can be more expensive is they put more shielding on the wire which is kinda moot.

 

[evongugg]

Meritline cables are fine. I use them all the time.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

I would agree that the main difference would be the connecter quality. Maximum PC did a test with different cables and lengths and found absolutely no difference between "certified SATA3 cables" and generic SATA cables. Check out the article: http://bit.ly/18fJyjh

Well, good for them that they haven't had issues, but the problem does exist. Mostly with non-Intel 3rd party controllers. Its not the speed issue, but the fact that you can get random connect/disconnects... 🙂

The cables you get with a new MB are fine.

 

[Zap]

I would agree that the main difference would be the connecter quality. Maximum PC did a test with different cables and lengths and found absolutely no difference between "certified SATA3 cables" and generic SATA cables. Check out the article: http://bit.ly/18fJyjh

Haha, nice! Article is a keeper, for pointing the next person towards that asks such questions.

"The SATA cable is an incredibly robust cable. It’s the cockroach or AK of computer cables."

 

[mfenn]

I would agree that the main difference would be the connecter quality.

Agree 100%. The very cheapest cables will have the crappy old-style SATA connectors without latches. Those suck because they come loose all the time. The newer connectors with metal latches are much better.

 

[Zap]

Agree 100%. The very cheapest cables will have the crappy old-style SATA connectors without latches. Those suck because they come loose all the time. The newer connectors with metal latches are much better.

I had an Asus P6T motherboard that didn't have the indents in the SATA ports to accept the latches. 😵 Using cables with latches caused the ports to bulge. I've also encountered this issue with some SSDs.

 

[mikeymikec]

I found it irritating that all the time I wanted SATA cables that had a connector perpendicular to the cable, I never got any, then suddenly every SATA cable I get has a perpendicular connector when I need a few straight ones!

I've never seen a SATA connector come out of the socket it's connected to.