IDE Cables

[Rasker]

Is it true that some IDE cables/ribbons are faster than others? If so, which ones are fast?

[Midknyte]

there are 80-pin cables for use with UDMA 66 to 133. is that what you mean?

[Rasker]

I really dont know what I mean lol. I am just wondering if you can buy basic IDE cables for HDDs that are faster than others. Just wondering cause I was wanting to speed up my computer a little bit. And if you can, whats the fastest?

[Midknyte]

cables are cables. as long as you have 80-pin cables for your UDMA66, 100, or 133 drives, you're ok. Look at other ways to speed up your computer.

[Rasker]

Alright then, I just heard that there were IDE cables that transferred data faster than others.

Sorry to waste your time.

[HaroldW]

Rasker:

I'm not sure wether it has been made clear or not. Primarily there are 80-wire and 40-wire IDE cables. If all of your hardware supports ATA66 or greater than use 80-wire cables. If you use 40-wire IDE cables on a system where all the hardware supports ATA66 or greater speeds, you will end up restricting the transfer speeds to the lower, ATA33 values.

[Cyan]

Some cables ARE faster than other ones, but because they are higher quality, and have more insulation against interference and the like. Such as Antec's Cobra cables, have a really good data rate (you wouldn't REALLY notice, but It's there) because of extra insulation and foil and the like.

[Midknyte]

The difference is very slight if any. I don't think it's worth spending extra money on cables, if he is looking to increase performance. for the same amount of money, he could buy a stick of ram or something.