What's the difference between the two types of IDE ribbon-cable?

I've gone and ripped mine by accident. All I did was pull the cable from the socket on the back of the DVD unit, and the flimsy bit of plastic that holds the cable to the plug, broke off :-(

I have an old IDE cable, and I'm using it right now. I'm wondering though, should I be doing this, because the cable I'm using now, seems to have only half the amount of ribbs running through it than the one I ripped.

Does it matter? Should/would there be performance issues using this cable?

Everything seems to be working fine, but I'm curious all the same :-/

Len.

The wait can be horrific, but the outcome can be worse - pumeco 2006

Attached Link: http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=pinconhdd_ata_int

The extra wires are all ground, but this is important for the higher performance transfer modes.

Hey Len, If it is only being used for your DVD drive you shouldnt have any issues. If it is for a HDD that is 80 pin and not 40 pin, you will get an error on start-up; something like (error! no 80 pin connector present). Basically newer drives have more pins. -Michael:)

I never intended to make art.

@nruddock
Thanks for the link, I'd have to give that a good read later (too much to take in at right now). But tell me what you class as 'higher performance' transfer modes; by that, do you mean SATA or something? My hard-disk is just standard EIDE 100, so would it matter to that sort of transfer?

@Sans2012
Thanks Michael, well actually they're both connected with them (DVD and Hard-Disk). They looked so much better made than the one I ripped, so I replaced IDE1+2 with the 'lesser-ribbed' cables. The machine's only about 18-Month old now, so I don't get the 80-Pin thing (even my older machine was 80-Pin).

Len.

The wait can be horrific, but the outcome can be worse - pumeco 2006

You'll understand when you read the link.
An ATA interface can operate in several modes (as defined by successive versions of the PATA standard) each with it's own transfer characteristics.
IIRC drives can generally use earlier (and slower) modes to match the signal capabilities of the cable.

The difference between 40 and 80 way cables is what "ATA" rating they can use, ATA66 is the max for a 40 way; or so I have read. Your hard drives should have an 80 way connector to achieve maximum performance. The ROMs on the other hand are only ATA33, so they will run just fine on the 40pin. Ultimately you may see a decrease in performance using the 40 way cables with your HDD. My advice would be to replace both your cables with 80 way connectors and get your hands on some god quality ones to avoid ripping them apart; your a brute arent you lol. -Michael:)

I never intended to make art.

You should completely replace that ripped cable though, especially if it has any other devices running through it. A bad cable can easily result in data not be transfered correctly. (I don't see this is your situation here, just thought I would just mention that as fyi to anyone reading) ;o) AS

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@nruddock
Yeah, I will read the link but it's sooooooooo long!
Cheers.

@Sans2012
lol - I'm a brute am I? Michael, (put's back firmly to wall) I bet you say that to all the guys :-D Actually, I meant I'd ripped the cable from it's plug, not the cable itself - what sorta' animal do you take me for.

Anyway, I get what you're saying, so it look's like a trip to Maplin for me then. They're about the only place in this dump that would actually sell them (that's if I'm lucky). 40-Way will have to do until Monday.

@AgentSmith
It was where the cable enters the connector on the end, not the cable itself. I pulled it - then realised that half of it was still left in the back of the DVD socket. I needed a set of pliers to pull out the remains!

Len.
(And to think I was once a computer technician)
(Anyone need a repair - I'm your man)
(Cheap'n'reliable - that's me)
(Pro-Toolkit : PLIERS and HAMMER)

The wait can be horrific, but the outcome can be worse - pumeco 2006

Didn't they ever teach you not to unplug things by the cord? Heh... At least it wasn't on and you didn't fry an HDD.

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hey, you can go to any computer parts store with the old cable, and likely get a replacement for well under 10 bucks. they're keyed so they can't be put in wrong..give it a shot if you're still concerned..
Sad to say, I'm still a computer tech, or at least that's the job description..;) network printers, I'm yer man..;) j/k..;)

Message edited on: 02/04/2006 17:32

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)

@pauljs75
Hell, no one told me 'bout not pulling by the cord ;-)
('course it wasn't on)

@pakled
That's easier said than done where I live. If you want something the chances are they don't have it, no matter how basic the requirement. Still, last time I visited Maplin, they had quide a few IDE cables, but it was all that glow-in-the-dark and fairy-lights kinda' crap. I wouldn't mind but even if I bought one I'd need x-ray vision to even see it on my tower (I've not yet evolved to being able to see through sheets of metal).

As for your job, I can say with all confidence that when you give it up - it'll be one of the best days of your life! I was a call-out technician, and I hated it BIG-TIME.

Len.

The wait can be horrific, but the outcome can be worse - pumeco 2006

hmm..well, I guess I'm spoiled being so close to Research Triangle Park. Maplin? hmm.. well, not sure what to tell you, I keep forgetting the worldwide nature of this forum..;)
actually, carreerwise, it's looking like hardware's not a bad place to be 'round these parts..our Server and Netops positions are going to the former 'jewel of the Empire' as fast as they can do the paperwork..welp, at least it's a living..;) good luck.

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)

It's a good industry to be in alright. I was self-employed and doing well by it, but I soon got tired of the tossers who refused to pay an agreed price. I think it's different for you though. If you're working for someone else, you get paid no matter what - so you're probably a lot happier than I was.

If you're happy, and it gives the income - you can't get better than that, so good on ya pakled ;-)

Len.

The wait can be horrific, but the outcome can be worse - pumeco 2006