Bent SATA cable... Stupid mistake

S

SAgosto

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
491
Hey;

Just finished putting together my HTPC. It's late, I was getting cranky and did something stupid.

Here's the important specs:

Antec Black/silver MicroATX Case w/ 380W PS (NSK2480)
GIGABYTE AM2 AMD 690V Micro ATX (GA-MA69GM-S2H)

The SATA connectors are pointing out. The NSK2480 case doesn't leave much room in the main compartment. I have 3 SATA connectors in use. Of the 3, 1 is a 90 degree angle that came with the motherboard. After forgetting to install the 3rd, I pulled the motherboard back out but there just wasn't enough room as the cables/connector would hit the compartment wall. So, I pulled it up just enough to access the SATA connector via an opening between two compartments.

Here's where I get dumb. I made the connection and figured, I'd pull the other end through and then I'd be golden. When pushing the motherboard back down, there just wasn't enough room but, of course, I kept going. It's about 98% flush but you can see the one SATA connector elevated a few degrees as it is not flush with the other if you look at it from the side. It's damn close. The same goes with the SATA cable itself that has a bigger connector (which caused this problem). The cable itself is elevated a few degrees but it's flush inside.

Worse comes to worse, I could get all new 90degree cables or a SATA card if I did some damage. Is it fair to say that if it works, it works? Is it possible to have compromise with he data being transferred? I guess I am looking for definate signs of issue: ie. it doesnt work or one of the devices (HD or Blu-Ray DVD drive) loses connection.

One of those days. :(
 
either its really late for me, or that made no sense... but im leaning more towards me being very sleepy... so, you got any pics? btw, i have that case, but i'm still not understanding what you're saying. :p
 
I don't understand either, and I just got up.

Could you post some pictures so we know what you're talking about? And if you can, take pictures of both ends of the SATA cable -- that way we could see the difference.
 
A few degrees should be ok, chances are its fine give it a go.
The connector being made of plastic will have a bit of give before it overstresses the legs or soldered points.
 
I am a paranoid person. I wrote that late but it makes sense to me but I am a strange cat. :)

Those that replied that seemed to understand, do understand. Thanks guys!

It's tight as a school boy down there but I made it fit. :)

ClFF NOTES;

Motherboards SATA connectors point out towards case's wall. Not enough room. Fit 2 cables in and it was tight.
Tried to pull out motherboard to fit 3rd SATA but couldn't get out as it was soo tight.
Pulled up motherboard to access SATA connector through one of the case's compartments.
Made the connection but when I went to reinstall motherboard (push it down to lay it flush against case bottom), the damn SATA cable pulled up on the SATA connector slightly pulled it off the board a few degrees.
SATA cable appears to be flush about 98%

My question: Would this just work or not work? Don't want data transfer fails or any negatives. I'll get a SATA card if it's possible that I wouldn't notice the failures.
 
You understand it because its your situation. :p Anyhow, now that I see the board (and have the case), that made more sense. So the SATA connector housing on the board was pulled off "a few inches," you said?!?!? I don't see how that's possible, since the connector pins aren't even a few inches long. So, hopefully, you're exaggerating there. If it was just the housing coming up, and the solder points look OK (look at them from the bottom -- yes, pull out the board, lol), see if you can run some HDD diagnostic tests. If those tests pass, then you should be fine. If they no longer work, just RMA the board. Also, order some right angle cables, lol.
 
enginurd said:
You understand it because its your situation. :p Anyhow, now that I see the board (and have the case), that made more sense. So the SATA connector housing on the board was pulled off "a few inches," you said?!?!? I don't see how that's possible, since the connector pins aren't even a few inches long. So, hopefully, you're exaggerating there. If it was just the housing coming up, and the solder points look OK (look at them from the bottom -- yes, pull out the board, lol), see if you can run some HDD diagnostic tests. If those tests pass, then you should be fine. If they no longer work, just RMA the board. Also, order some right angle cables, lol.
Click to expand...

Degrees. :)

It's very very slight. The connector is in almost 98% but on a SLIGHT angle.

Pics:

1.jpg

2.jpg

3.jpg
 
I wouldn't care to leave it that way due to the stress on the SATA port. I'm assuming it's bent like that because there is continued stress on the cable and connector. If that is the case, I would look at getting a new cable. Either a longer one so you don't have that stress on the connector or the 90 degree connectors so it's not a problem.

If that SATA port is permanently like that, I would not want to use it. I would get a new cable that doesn't put any stress on it and use another port. From the looks of the picture, if anything is messed up it's the connector on the cable. That is not really a problem as cables can be purchased for little money.

 
I'd pull that out of there quick. Sata connectors aren't the strongest things in the world and I could easily see that thing snaping.
 
The connector on the red cable is too long for the vertical space between the port and the "ceiling" -- replace the cable quickly, so no long-term damage is done to the port.

I'm also a bit concerned about that right angle connector on the other cable. I believe that the connector is designed for the hard drive (even though I know that connectors, as a whole, are universal between the drives and the motherboard).
 
Yah, thats what I was afraid was happening. See if you can find some reverse right angle SATA cables. If not, get some short stem cables instead. The easiest thing to do, IMO, would be to get a dremel and cut out that sidewall to make room for the cable's stem.

EDIT: found some affordable (<$2) 270° SATA cables at: http://www.satacables.com/html/sata_cable_left_angle_to_strai.html
Also, those cables appear to have short stems, so thats a plus... use a short stem 180° for the bottom if the reverse right angle would get in the way of the upper SATA port (on the board).

I agree with tiraides... don't leave it like that for very long -- the board/connector/solder points can only take so much stress/pressure.
 
enginurd said:
Yah, thats what I was afraid was happening. See if you can find some reverse right angle SATA cables. If not, get some short stem cables instead. The easiest thing to do, IMO, would be to get a dremel and cut out that sidewall to make room for the cable's stem.

EDIT: found some affordable (<$2) 270° SATA cables at: http://www.satacables.com/html/sata_cable_left_angle_to_strai.html
Also, those cables appear to have short stems, so thats a plus... use a short stem 180° for the bottom if the reverse right angle would get in the way of the upper SATA port (on the board).

I agree with tiraides... don't leave it like that for very long -- the board/connector/solder points can only take so much stress/pressure.
Click to expand...

Basically, I need combos of short stem 180deg and reverse right angle to keep enough clearance. The one on the right is a short stem 180deg and it's PINCHED against the wall. I'm debating just cutting a whole in the case but don't want to remove EVERYTHING out and deal with stiches in the future.
 
Yah, I figured you'd rather not bring out the dremel, so I posted that link for you. ;)
 
Thanks.

Yea, I'd rather not perform surgery for a few bucks but then again, look where I am at. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top