Need some SATA cable clarification

[blaknwite]

Ok so this might be a dumb question but if I'm using a SATA 3 port, that is 6Gb/s, I need a SATA 3 cable right? To get the most out of it?

I know the cables are backwards compatible but in order to get SATA 3 performance I need the SATA 3 cables correct?

I'm asking because on newegg a lot of cables are labeled as SATA 2 or 3 and then have different labels in the details so it almost makes it seem like it doesn't matter...

Thanks!

 

[krnmastersgt]

It doesn't matter for the most part, most relatively recent cables should be able to handle the throughput, even if not fully maximized. Some environments you need to eliminate any possible bottleneck and thus buying cables that are clearly stated as SATA 3 might be necessary but you shouldn't have much issue with a consumer home system.

 

[blaknwite]

It doesn't matter for the most part, most relatively recent cables should be able to handle the throughput, even if not fully maximized. Some environments you need to eliminate any possible bottleneck and thus buying cables that are clearly stated as SATA 3 might be necessary but you shouldn't have much issue with a consumer home system.

I just don't want to have all these SATA 3 inputs and then be limiting myself to 3Gb/s

I think the cables I got are SATA 3, but I just want to be sure, thanks

 

[mfenn]

A SATA 6Gb/s cable (technically there is no such thing as "SATA 2" or "SATA 3") is certified to work at 6Gb/s whereas a SATA 3Gb/s cable is certified to work at 3Gb/s.

That being said, they are really the same damn thing in terms of specifications, so any quality SATA 3Gb/s or 1.5 Gb/s cable will work just fine at 6Gb/s speeds.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It all depends on what you are connecting with them. The cables themselves don't limit anything. There aren't any mechanical HDDs which saturate the 3Gb/s cables. Some ssd's can transfer in the neighborhood of 500 Mb/s.

 

[TJCS]

Here: SATA I / II / III cables tested at maxiumum pc

 

[weovpac]

Here: SATA I / II / III cables tested at maxiumum pc

Thanks

 

[zon2020]

It doesn't matter. A SATA cable is a SATA cable. Anything else is pure marketing.

 

[blaknwite]

Thanks to everyone for the clarification!!