SATA data cables connect hard drives, SSDs and optical drives to a motherboard or controller card inside a PC or server. Our range of over 500 models includes straight and angled cables, latching versions and multi-drive sets from DELOCK, LENOVO, INLINE and CORSAIR. They suit home builders, upgraders and technicians repairing workstations.
How to choose a SATA data cable
Length. Measure the route from the drive to the SATA port, going around any bends, and add a few centimetres. A cable that is too short strains the connector. One that is far too long clutters the case and restricts airflow.
Connector angle. Straight connectors work in open layouts. Angled connectors (left, right, up or down) help when a drive bay sits close to the side panel or when a graphics card blocks the port. Check which way the port faces before ordering.
Latching clips. A metal clip on the connector locks the cable into the port. This matters in servers, in machines that get moved and in builds with many drives, where a loose cable can cause drive dropouts.
Speed rating. Most current SATA data cables support SATA III at 6 Gbit/s, which is what SATA SSDs use. Older SATA I or II cables may still work, but a cable rated for SATA III removes any doubt.
Number of drives and fit. Multi-cable sets save time when you are fitting several drives at once. If you are repairing a branded workstation or server, an original or manufacturer-specific cable can be the simplest way to get the right length and connector layout.
Brands we carry
- DELOCK: a connectivity specialist known for a large selection of cables and adapters, including many SATA variants with different angles and lengths.
- LENOVO: supplies cables made for its own ThinkCentre and ThinkStation systems, which is useful for repairs and drive upgrades in those machines.
- INLINE: offers computer cables and accessories, including SATA cables in standard lengths and with latching connectors.
- CORSAIR: best known for power supplies, cases and modular cables, so its products suit builders who care about tidy cable routing.
- STARTECH: a connectivity brand aimed at professional and IT users, with latching SATA cables among its internal cables.
- SUPERMICRO: a server and motherboard manufacturer, so its cables are designed for its own server chassis and backplanes.
Also in our range: EXERTIS CONNECT, SHIVERPEAKS, WENTRONIC, ROLINE, S CONN MAXIMUM CONNECTIVITY and TECLINE.
SATA data cable FAQ
Do SATA data cables also supply power?
No, a SATA data cable carries data only. A SATA drive also needs a separate power connection from the power supply, either through a SATA power cable or an adapter. Both connectors plug into the drive side by side.
Do I need a special cable for a SATA III SSD?
Not necessarily, because most modern SATA data cables already handle SATA III speeds of 6 Gbit/s. The cable is rarely the limit on speed. If the product description states SATA III or 6 Gbit/s, it is suitable for a SATA SSD.
How long should a SATA data cable be?
Choose a length that reaches the port with a little slack, which for most desktop cases means somewhere between 30 and 50 cm. Larger cases and servers may need longer cables. Very long cables are harder to tidy and offer no benefit.
When do I need an angled SATA connector?
An angled connector is useful when there is little room behind the drive or beside the motherboard port. It lets the cable run flat against the board or drive instead of sticking out. Check whether the cable needs to turn left, right, up or down, as the angle depends on the port position.
