Hardware questions about new build
in [Home Built PC]
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From: Paul on 23 Apr 2008 23:01 Jack wrote: > On Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:22:27 -0700, Bill > <spamtrap(a)tinlc.lumbercartel.com> wrote: > >> In article <158v04t9qac2nbhet8ri7he94utmaq04ct(a)4ax.com>, >> memenme(a)email.com says... >>> I'm on the planning stage of building a new computer and have the >>> following questions: >>> >>> 1. Is an old SATA cable (1.5 mb) compatible with SATA2, or are there >>> new ones? >> Try it. It will either work or it won't. It won't kill anything if it >> doesn't. That said, the biggest problem I've had with SATA cable is >> poor connections. They tend to become unseated. I've taken to using >> SATA II < they're backwards compatable > that have latches that stay >> seated. Such as: >> >> http://www.okgear.com/gears/SATA_CABLE_SERIES.htm > Followup question on this: If I use a SATA I cable on a SATAII drive, > will the drive function @ 3Gb or 1.5? Is there any documentation on > this? See the table in section 2.2 on PDF page 13. SATA 1.5Gbit/sec cable is compatible with SATA 3.0Gbit/sec cable. That is the only reference I was able to find the last time I looked. Obviously, the unscrupulous vendors (the "monster cable" types), will be telling you something else. http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/manuals/sata/sata_im.pdf In terms of the cables offered for sale, you may find three basic types. The original internal SATA cable, had no mechanism for cable retention. The next version of cable, had a plastic "lip" on one side, and a "metal tab with teeth" on the other. This allows the cable to be retained, so it won't fall out. The motherboard connector has to have the necessary plastic retention feature, so the metal bit can secure itself. (Mixing old and new types, means no better retention. Both ends should be the new type for it to work.) The third kind of cable, is for ESATA or external (enclosure) SATA. The connector style doesn't have the L shaped key, and has a higher quality metal section on it, which is good for a lot of insertion/removal cycles. In addition to the three basic cables, there are connectors which are straight, ones that are "left handed" and ones that are "right handed". Depending on the proximity of the connectors on the motherboard, and whether a long video card passes over the internal SATA connector field, determines what kind of cables will be needed. A good motherboard should already have considered the video card fit, when it comes to the cables that are bundled with the motherboard. Otherwise, there are plenty of sources of SATA cables, some of which have nice color pictures of the product. Paul
From: Bill on 24 Apr 2008 02:02 In article <tgqv04h1nf18avjagk0j5il5logt7kv12k(a)4ax.com>, memenme(a)email.com says... > <snip> > Followup question on this: If I use a SATA I cable on a SATAII drive, > will the drive function @ 3Gb or 1.5? Is there any documentation on > this? > I think Paul has answered your question. I'll just add that a 3Gb drive is only going to run at 1.5Gb if the controller is 1.5Gb no matter what the cable. If you have trouble check to see that the speed jumper < if any > is in the proper position. Some drives auto- negotiate the speed, some don't. Bill
From: Paul on 24 Apr 2008 02:23
Bill wrote: > In article <tgqv04h1nf18avjagk0j5il5logt7kv12k(a)4ax.com>, > memenme(a)email.com says... > <snip> > >> Followup question on this: If I use a SATA I cable on a SATAII drive, >> will the drive function @ 3Gb or 1.5? Is there any documentation on >> this? >> > > I think Paul has answered your question. I'll just add that a 3Gb > drive is only going to run at 1.5Gb if the controller is 1.5Gb no > matter what the cable. If you have trouble check to see that the speed > jumper < if any > is in the proper position. Some drives auto- > negotiate the speed, some don't. > > Bill I've seen some mention of VIA Southbridges, not playing nice with the speed thing. With a VIA Southbridge, you can try using the jumper on the drive, the one that sets the interface to 1.5Gbit/sec. The jumper info may or may not be on the drive label itself, in which case, you'll have to try the manufacturer's web site. (FAQ section or Knowledgebase.) Paul |