Round ATA 100 Cables

**woodbutcher** · March 16th, 2002, 11:24 AM

Never have used these type of cables / need some input
Is vantec a good round cable? Is there any dif between brands?
Is 24 inch lenght pretty usable for mid-towers (the vantecs look stiff and not very flexable)?
Thanks in advance
WB

mickwish · March 16th, 2002, 12:02 PM

There are some theoretical arguments against using these rounded cables, as ATA100 standard is supposed to require the internal wires to be maintained in a specific manner to prevent crosstalk. I've never heard of this being an actual issue in practice, though, as those who use rounded cables have never reported performance issue that I am aware of.

Theoretically they may improve airflow within a case, and of course there is the added dimension for case modders of the cool look through a window. But apart from these two things, I would see no reason to use rounded cables in preference for flat.

Found a good review for vantec cables here: http://www.2fastcpu.com/vantsilvcab/page1.html
10 out of 10 - not bad!

This site (http://www.overclockersclub.com/silv...edcables.shtml) talks about some other vantec cables (stiffer??) which may not be as good, and also has some links to other reviews.
Happy cable review hunting!

edi: oops an extra dot - link should work now!

**woodbutcher** · March 16th, 2002, 12:53 PM

Thanks Mickwish
Fastcpu link doesn't work but I checked out the site. Since I always buy oem HD's I thought about going with the rounded cables. I don't have a source in the area (for reg flat) so I would be purchasing them mail order anyhow. I found 4 pair of 24 inch Vantec cables(2 black, 2 red, 2 yellow and 2 blue) for $54.00 including shipping. I don't need that many right now but they will get used.
Thanks for the Link
WB

Stupid ? but are the ata133 cables backwards compatable with ultra 33 devices/

**griobhta** · March 17th, 2002, 07:23 PM

Yep you should be able to use the faster cables on slower drives AFAIK. I use rounded cables partly because they look cool, even if I'm the only one who knows there in there but also because they do make it a little easier poking your hand round the machines innards as I have 3 ata cables and a FDD cable in there.

Griobhta

**amdkt7** · March 17th, 2002, 08:37 PM

I reccommend not exceeding the design spec of 18" for your cables.

I am leary of rounded cables because the purpose of the 80 conductor standard is to put a ground wire between every data wire to act as a shield. A rounded cable then puts these wires right back together again.

I know lots of people have no complaints with theirs, but how close to the edge of data curruption are they?

It is possible to build a rounded cable with proper shielding, and perhaps some of them are made that way.

I had a problem myself with data corruption myself and promptly reverted back to standard cables. Mine was home made and longer then 18", perhaps that was my problem, perhaps it was something else.

This is just my opinion!