SAS and SATA Drive Cables

Internal, external and backplane cabling, matched by connector standard

About SAS and SATA Cables

Drive cabling is where an otherwise-correct parts list falls apart. The connector standard, not the cable length or the brand, is what decides whether a cable is usable — and the standards have names that look interchangeable and are not.

The SFF numbers, in plain terms

SFF-8087 — internal mini-SAS, 4 lanes. The long-standing internal standard on 6Gb/s controllers and backplanes.
SFF-8088 — external mini-SAS, 4 lanes. The 6Gb/s external equivalent, used to attach expansion shelves.
SFF-8643 — internal HD mini-SAS, the 12Gb/s successor to 8087. Physically smaller and not interchangeable with it.
SFF-8644 — external HD mini-SAS, the 12Gb/s successor to 8088.
SFF-8482 — the SAS connector at the drive itself, carrying data and power together.

The pairing that catches people out is 8087 to 8643. Both are internal 4-lane mini-SAS, both look plausible in a photograph, and neither will mate with the other. Transition cables exist precisely because the generations do not share a connector.

Forward and reverse breakout

A breakout cable splits one 4-lane mini-SAS connector into four single connectors. Direction matters:

Forward breakout — controller with a mini-SAS port out to four individual drives. This is the common case.
Reverse breakout — four ports on a motherboard back into a single mini-SAS backplane connector.

They are wired differently and are not substitutes, despite looking similar.

Backplane cables are usually machine-specific

Cables that run from a controller to a drive backplane are frequently cut, routed and keyed for one chassis. A generic cable of the right standard often will not route inside the case even when it mates correctly. Where a listing names a server model, treat that as a requirement rather than a hint.

SATA data, and data-plus-power

SATA data cables carry data only; the drive takes power separately. Combination cables carrying both exist and are common in workstations and optical drive bays. Check which one the machine expects before ordering.

Tell us the controller and the backplane or drive you are connecting and we will match the standard, the direction and the routing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SFF-8087 and SFF-8643?

Both are internal 4-lane mini-SAS, but 8087 is the 6Gb/s generation and 8643 is the smaller 12Gb/s HD generation. They do not mate with each other. Transition cables exist to bridge the two, which is why both connectors often appear in the same server during an upgrade.

What is a forward versus reverse breakout cable?

A forward breakout runs from a controller mini-SAS port out to four individual drive connectors, which is the usual arrangement. A reverse breakout runs four motherboard ports back into a single mini-SAS backplane connector. They are wired differently and cannot be substituted for one another.

Can I use any SAS cable of the right connector type?

For controller-to-drive runs, usually yes. For controller-to-backplane runs inside an OEM chassis, often not — those cables are cut and keyed for a specific case, and a generic cable of the correct standard may mate but will not route. Where a listing names a server model, match it.

Do SATA cables carry power?

Data-only cables are the norm; the drive is powered separately from the PSU. Combination cables that carry both data and power do exist and are common in workstations and optical bays. Check which the machine expects, because the connectors differ.