IDE Cable Direction

[millerlite86]

Ok. I've got an Rounded IDE cable and I'm working in a Small Form Factor. Only 1 IDE connection on the motherboard.

There is no way if I plug in the cable to the board and then it goes 8" then connector then 3" then connector that I will be able to connect the CD Burner and HDD.

Can I flip the connector around so it goes cable in board 3" then connector 8" then connector?

I hope that this makes sense! :-)

[SeanC]

I've done that on regular computers with regular ribbon cables and have had zero problems. As long as the pins are still oriented properly.

Sean

[DoctorReno]

You can try it and see if it works but I am going to guess no. If you check you can get the rounded calbles in different lengths and I think that would be the better solution.
If you do try flipping the cable, post back what you find out.

[Martoch]

I'm almost certain they will work either way...I would bet on it in fact!

EDIT: Hmm...I think ATA/100 cables have to be connected as marked.

[John Prophet]

I cant think of any problems I have had flipping them and Ive done it several times.

JP

[millerlite86]

The MB only runs ATA 66 the IDE cable can do 66/100/133...So if the speed is only ATA 66 will the contacts be the same or different?

The cable is not marked and the only indicators are that they are different colors. Blue, then Grey, the Black.

[Urban_Squrill]

It is the same end on both sides. There is no difference in in the 2 ends.

[Buzioid]

I have had that work as well, with 40pin cables, 80-pins WILL NOT work, I have tried it, and have been unsuccessful!
I don't think you can, you have the blue/grey/black, the blue connector goes to the motherboard, it sounds like it is an 80-pin cable. You might want to try getting a 40-pin.

[Scott Tiger]

This is a really good question for Peter M. I do remember his saying that IDE cables are 18" for a reason and it had something to do with the lack of terminators on IDE cables.

I know that length would remain the same even if the ends were reversed but I'd still like to hear his take on this topic.

[millerlite86]

I think that it is an 80 pin cable....


Description:

Application: for Computer IDE ATA (DMA)66/100/133 Hard Drive Connector:IDC 40/80 pin Gold Platin 15u Cable: UL 20276 40 Twist Pair 80 C 30 V " With PVC Cover "

from Cablesgroup.com