So, you are on the market for the best SATA cables. It might seem tricky to figure out where to start but fret not- you’ve come to the right place. Sata cables- or ‘Serial Advanced Technology Attachments’ are small but important.
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These cables are the key connectors between your hard drives to your computer itself (though they fill many other roles). Are you looking for a cost-effective solution? Something that’s proven itself on the market?
Here we break down the details of these handy high-tech tools so that your search can be both easy and fun. Together we will investigate product specifics so that you can find exactly the tool you need.
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10 Best SATA Cables Reviews
01. Monoprice 18-inch SATA III – Comfort Through Compatibility
It’s no secret that the goal of computer technology is efficiency. In the modern era, time is more than money- it is everything. When we seek out a SATA cable, we want it to be capable of the fastest possible speeds.
Speed and compatibility are key draws of this cable. It’s been on the market for a long time: 7 years. In technology, this is substantial (especially since sata cables themselves only hit the market in 2012).
Over time, these cables have improved substantially. This is the third-generation model. Each new skew improves speed without forgoing its ability to fit older tech. Now, the data transfer velocity rings in at an impressive 6 Gbps (gigabyte per second).
Of course, this is only valuable to us if the product is sturdy enough to last. The design features on these cables focus on the ability to withstand the strain. The locking latch is present on both ends of the cable to prevent disturbance.
Highlighted Features:
- Locking latch located at both ends of the cable
- Offers speeds of 6.0 Gbps
- 90-degree connector on one end and straight plug on the other
- Blue cord casing for ease of sight
Pros:
- Fast speeds via cord
- Bright color (easy to see)
- Good for tight spaces
Cons:
- Speeds limited by supplementary tech
02. Cable Matters 3-Pack Right Angle SATA – Master Multiple Connections
Many of us focus on our personal computers alone. A lot of us, however, have multiple gadgets on the go at any given time.
For those who need many connections simultaneously, it makes sense to get something that comes as a package deal. This option is great if you are serious about technology and have the need for multiple connections.
Whether you are looking to hook up a CD burner or a DVD drive, this cable is up to the task. It has a fast speed of 6 Gbps that leads to high performance. These cables are retroactively compatible and will fit into the standard slot.
Tech takes up space, so the fact that this cable is flexible adds to its value greatly. You want the sata cable to be able to reach exactly where you need it. The right-angle latch connector makes this task easy. It is bright red, so you won’t lose the cable after you’ve set it in place.
Highlighted Features:
- Measurements: 3.8 x 1.2 x 0.6 inches
- On the market for four years
- Retroactively compatible with older tech outlets
Pros:
- Bright color
- Multi-pack
- 90-degree latching
- Fast speeds of 6 Gbps
Cons:
- Slightly shorter cable than other comparable products
03. C&E 18- Inch SATA III Cable – Great Option for the Home Repairman
This is a relatively new product on the market. It has only been available for two years; though, in the world of technology, that is still a significant amount of time.
The focus is on sturdiness. One of the key problems with sata cable quality is the ability to stay latched in place. Tech comes from many tiny parts working together, so when even one of these parts shakes loose, problems arise.
Even when we protect our wires, stumbling past them or even bumping the desk can cause them to come loose. The locking mechanism keeps this from being a problem.
One end has a 90-degree attachment, with the other being a straight-through connection. The value here is the space that this adds.
The right-angle access adds maneuverability and precludes you from having to rearrange the entire computer setup.
Another draw is that the product itself provides the high speeds expected of a third-generation cable. It remains compatible with the first two sata types historically available.
Highlighted Features:
- On the market for more than 2 years
- Comes in a set of four
- Dark blue color casing
Pros:
- Highly compatible
- Low cost
- Long cable
Cons:
- Dark blue color can make it hard to identify when surrounded with other wires
04. Cable Matters 3-Pack 90 Degree Cable – Excellent Cost-Effective Choice
Though they may look similar, not all SATA cables are made alike. Inside the wire, the casing is a highly nuanced piece of engineering.
While they all serve the purpose of transmitting electrical signals, they do not all do so in the same manner (or with the same success). There are an art and a science to preventing the inner material from overheating and getting damaged.
This particular cable is made to connect motherboards to DVD and Serial hard drives. The cable can transmit as quickly as 6 Gbps.
The feature is handy whether you are gaming or streaming. Another key benefit is that it also works with older SATA drives.
As new tech hits the market, it can be challenging (and costly) for us to keep up with the trend. Products that work with older devices give you the benefit of the new without the price of replacing the old.
The bright red color makes them easy to notice, even when in storage.
While some of us may use many of these cables simultaneously, others need only one at a time; still, when the need for this tool arises, it puts a halt to other functions. For this reason, we like to keep extras on hand. This 3-pack is great for this.
Highlighted Features:
- High speeds up to 6 Gbps
- Locking mechanism
- Angled approach
Pros:
- Right angle latching
- High speeds
- Reasonable price
- Multi-pack
Cons:
- Heavier than other similar cables
05. StarTech Shielded External eSATA Cable – Ideal Option for Length
When we seek out a cable, outside of serving its function, the key factor is reach. It is critical for both organizations and eases that the wire is able to access both ports.
This option is great for any of us who need our SATA cable to travel far. It is three feet long (36-inches) and is affixed inside of a sturdy casing.
Anything that has electricity travel through it is subject to heat up with the insurgency of power. Heat causes matter to expand. The cooling process causes matter to contract.
This impacts the material down to a molecular level. Eventually, the matter that makes up the SATA cable will wear down thanks to thermodynamics.
This cable is made out of high-quality polymers that make the case strong and sturdy. Another great factor is that it has been out on the market for over fifteen years. Since SATA cables have been around for less than two decades, this is one of the original stars.
Highlighted Features:
- On the market for fifteen years
- High-quality materials
Pros:
- Three-foot cable
- Sturdy and lasting
Cons:
- Black color of the wire may make it difficult to identify when near other cables
06. BENFEI SATA Cable III – Beneficial When Buying in Bulk
This product option is a remarkably cost-effective option, especially for those who are looking to make a one-time purchase that will last a significant amount of time.
It connects controlling hosts to the Serial ATA hard drives within the computer’s internal system. It works for everything from motherboards to DVD drives.
The rapid data transfer it offers is another key benefit. Boasting 6 Gbps of relating speeds, this is the newest generation of the SATA cable. It is retroactively compatible with the SATA one and two style cable.
Of course, speed is only as rapid as its slowest part. This means that if we plug in a cable with 6 Gbps speed capabilities into a system otherwise limited to 3 Gbps, the latter is the maximum speed.
SATA cables are not great stand-alone items. The SATA cable is a part of an enormous team of parts; which, together, make your computer run optimally.
Naturally, anything with many parts is subject to breakage. This is the great draw of the twelve-pack of cables. It allows you sufficient supply to replace and rearrange at your leisure (while still having spares in-store).
Highlighted Features:
- A dozen cables per pack
- Locking latch on both ends of the cable
- 18 inches in length with black colored casing
Pros:
- Highly affordable option
- Fast speed capabilities (6 Gbps)
- Comes in 12-pack
Cons:
- Does not provide power to the hard drive. That requires separate power access
07. StarTech SATA Serial ATA Cable Featuring Right Angle Access – Great Medium Length Product
For those of us who have a moderate distance of travel required from our Sata cable, this is an ideal option. The ports of connection on the end accommodate a tight-fitting set-up.
Since there is ninety-degree access at one end of the cable, the wire can reach into tighter corners and more challenging points of access. The other end of the cable is a standard, straight access point. The wire measures twelve inches in length.
It is nominal in size and its malleable abilities promote the movement of air in the area. This keeps the system cool and prevents damage to small parts cased inside of the wire itself.
Since the wire itself is quite skinny, it not only fits into tight spaces but reduces the need for adjustments around other cables attached to the computer system.
Highlighted Features:
- Twelve- inches long
- The right angle connection point
- Can withstand up to 240 Volts
Pros:
- Highly affordable option
- Capable of high speeds (6 Gbps)
- Bright red for easy identification
Cons:
- Limited by the speed of the slowest working piece in the system
08. 2.5 to 3.5 Adapter, Inateck SSD Mounting Bracket with SATA Cables and SATA Power Cable
When we get a new piece of technology, we want easy installation. This product prevents these issues without adding significant cost to the package itself. It does so by including a bracket system that lets us keep the piece firmly in place.
Inside the casing are many small pieces- so discrete they would require a magnifying glass to locate. These tiny parts connect to the small pieces inside the port itself which can jostle out of place.
This can slow down the system. The bracketing prevents this by firmly stowing this product in place. This cable itself is highly compatible with any system that has the standard 3 ½ inch bay for the internal drive.
It allows the computer to operate with as many as two solid-state drives. This takes our computers and supercharges their abilities. Provided the product is properly installed and cared for, it will significantly improve the quality of the computer experience.
Highlighted Features:
- Locking latch at the ends for stability
- Straight and 90-degree connection
- Retroactively compatible with sata I and II models
Pros:
- Allows speeds up to 6 Gbps
- High quality
- Sleek black design
Cons:
- The product has only been on the market for a year, and so its value in terms of longevity is unknown
09. Relper-Lineso SATA III Cable – Wonderfully Useful High-Tech Gifts
There are some tools that we know that everyone needs. While cables can seem like small or negligibly important tools, they are highly useful and very adaptable products. Everyone with a computer system benefits from the handy features they provide.
Since this product comes in a pack of six, it is great for semi-selfish gift giving. When you get your own SATA cable, there are extras for you to store and also some to give away as handy gifts for technologically inclined friends.
Entertainment is increasing in value, so the fact that these cables are usable with everything from Blue-ray to CD drives only adds to their value.
They are ex post facto compatible with the older generations of their kind (SATA I and II models). In this way, they are useful with most modern and older technology.
They provide value to those looking to get the most out of older devices (like CDROMS) and still benefit from the speed of modern tech.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes in a six-pack
- Compatible with Sata I and II
- Speeds as fast as 6 Gbps
- Both ends have locking latches
- Eighteen inches long
Pros:
- Easy to identify the color
- Long cable
- Low cost
Cons:
- Subject to overheating, like other SATA cables
10. UGREEN SATA III Cable Trio Pack – Great Multi-Purpose Option
Modern product expectations are more demanding than those of yesteryear. When we get something, the desire is for the product to serve more than one purpose. Efficiency is the key focus. It saves both time and money, all while making our lives easier. This three-pack of cables serves exactly this function.
Like most similar models, it features right-angle access to one of the ports. It affords us the ability to shimmy the wire into difficult-to-reach places. Benefits arise from its ability to work with everything from hard drives to solid-state drives, from CD drives to CD writers.
Storage ability is key to computer function. When we run out of the room, it is like a closet overflowing at the seams. SATA cables maximize the space we get out of our computers.
It meets the industry standards of the SATA III cable since it’s capable of speeds up to 6 Gbps (provided the rest of the tech is able to meet these speed demands as well).
Highlighted Features:
- Comes in a three-pack for multi-use ability
- Features locking latch on each end for stability
- One straight-end connection, one right angle connection
- Has been on the market for 3 years
- Measurements: 5.7 x 3.8 x 0.6 inches
Pros:
- Cost-effective option
- Great for tight spaces
- Lightweight design
- Easy to plug-in
Cons:
- It does not supply power for the hard drive. This unit must receive power separately
Read Also: Laptop or Desktop: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
Buying Considerations of Best Data Cables
When you seek out a sata cable, it is because you want efficiency and function. Before taking the plunge, take a moment to consider some product nuances. It will make the experience more pleasant and save you from issues down the road.
A great feature of these products is that they are all very low cost (within mere dollars of each other). This prevents concerns associated with price and lets us focus on product nuances when we make our purchase.
1. Length
Getting from Point A to Point B is simple, provided you know the distance. Measure how far the wire has to travel, including if it has to maneuver around other pieces. Many cables are fairly long and can reach most distances. Others are shorter and require closer proximity of the two ports.
If you get a product that is too short to meet your needs, it may result in some unnecessary moving around of your computer area.
Save yourself from these troubles by checking the distance the cable needs to travel against the product specifications. Make sure that the cable length exceeds the requirements and you are home-free.
2. Compatibility
Regardless of the speeds which the sata cable can offer, you get no benefit unless it’s installed.
Though most of these products are compatible across the board, it is prudent to check the product specs against your specific piece of technology. This is especially true if you have a unique or older model system. Find a wire that fits your needs, literally.
3. Speed
Since technology has come so far, a lot of competition for things like speed has plateaued. There is little chance for a product to survive the marketplace if it is slower than similar pieces.
The expected speed of modern sata cables is 6 Gbps. This, of course, assumes a compatible system. If your system is not up to date, then the Gbps will reduce.
4. Angle of Access
To get the most out of your technology, find a cable that sneaks in unassumingly. There are many options that feature right-angle access to ports. Generally, they will be paired with a 180-degree access point on the other end of the cord.
This makes it easy to maneuver behind computers and around other wires. Check your setup against the product specs. Find one that suits your special requirements and the buying process will go more smoothly and prevent unnecessary jarring of the item itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About SATA Cable
What is the purpose of a SATA cable?
These cables are the standard for connecting computer systems to disk drives. They function to transfer data from its point of origin to the computing area. Computation relies on data transfer itself, so the SATA cable is very important.
What are the latching properties for?
The latching features of these cables serves a critical function. Have you ever seen the effects of a loose wire? Compromised connection or non-function? The latch works to lock the cable into its port, maintaining that connectivity even when we jostle the wire. Without this, the connection can easily Jimmy out of place and cause a plethora of issues to the computer’s operator.
Does color matter when I choose a cable?
While it may seem like a nominal concern, color counts for a great deal in wiring (we have all seen the red wire/blue wire decision on movies). Though in reality the stakes may be less extreme, tediously trekking through your computer’s wires is never fun.
Having a sata cable that stands out from the crowd makes for simple repair and replacement. Take a look at the wires on your computer. Finding a color that is different from the rest will make identifying the cable simpler. This helps with potential future troubleshooting.
When do I need to replace my cable?
It is always better to have a replacement cable on-hand. Once the need to sub-out the transfer unit rears itself, the problem has already started. These issues typically present when your computing function slows. Firstly, check the connection to the ports (on both ends).
If there is no easy-to-notice looseness, then it is probably time to replace the SATA cable itself. When we stay on top of our technology, it makes our computers run more smoothly and our lives much easier.
What value does a right-angle connection add?
The worth of the 90-degree connectivity is that it allows for easy access to hard-to-reach ports. It is never fun to rearrange an entire computing setup just to add in a single cable.
With this angled approach, it becomes simple for us to install the wire. Not only does this protect the sata cable, but it also keeps us from damaging the other cords that work to keep our computers operating.
Sata cables are a great show of new and old technology interfacing together. We benefit from modern speeds through the rapid transfer rates of the third-generation cables without forgoing older loves like CD’s and DVD’s.
When new tech works together with tried-and-true entertainment passions, our lives are bound to simplify and improve.