SATA Cables

SATA cables connect drives to a motherboard or controller. They are cheap, they all look similar, and the wrong one will either not reach or will work loose — so the choice comes down to connector shape and whether it latches.

Latching or not

A latching SATA cable clips into the socket and will not vibrate free. In a desktop under a desk that rarely matters; in a rack, a vehicle or anything that moves, it is the difference between a reliable machine and an intermittent fault that takes a day to find. If in doubt, specify latching.

Straight, right-angle or left-angle

Angled connectors exist because a straight plug often fouls the case wall or the next drive in a cage. Right-angle and left-angle versions turn the cable flat against the board immediately. Check which way the obstruction sits before ordering — the two are not interchangeable.

Slimline, eSATA and power

Slimline SATA is the smaller connector used by slot-loading optical drives and some compact chassis; adapter cables in this range combine slimline data with LP4 power in one lead. External eSATA is shielded for use outside the case and is not the same connector as internal SATA.

Lengths here run from about 0.15 m to 1 m. Buy the shortest cable that reaches — excess SATA cable in a chassis restricts airflow and is the usual cause of untidy builds.

Trade pricing and business accounts are available for UK organisations, and bulk orders are welcome — request a quote.