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trevordick wrote:I've also noticed that the SATA cables are not as secure as the older IDE cables and that it is very easy to dislodge them when unseating and removing gfx cards (as I have done quire a lot when testing various gfx cards & drivers).

Might be a good idea to use sata cables with locking clips, they're a few pence more than the standard ones but do prevent the knocking problem. Maybe AmigaKit should supply them as standard in future machines?

Just looked on amazon, 1.14 for a normal cable and 1.07 for a locking one.

Severin wrote:Might be a good idea to use sata cables with locking clips, they're a few pence more than the standard ones but do prevent the knocking problem.

I fully agree. I have switched all my SATA cables in several machines to the ones with locks, and got rid of lots of instability that way, especially in the Sams where space is limited and cables are easily knocked out of position.

Maybe AmigaKit should supply them as standard in future machines?

Worth considering. I'd guess the extra expense could well be saved in fewer customer support issues.

Just looked on amazon, 1.14 for a normal cable and 1.07 for a locking one.

Hmm, that would make the locking ones even cheaper - or did you swap the prices around?

Best regards,

Niels

@nbache

No, I looked up the prices after I wrote that and forgot to edit it. When I bought mine they were a bit more expensive.

nbache wrote:I have switched all my SATA cables in several machines to the ones with locks, and got rid of lots of instability that way

For what it is worth, "locking" SATA cables seem just as prone to working themselves loose (through heating/cooling expansion/contraction or mechanical vibration) as plain SATA cables. I think "locking" ones merely prevent the user from accidentally unplugging them.

Although I often have a hell of a job unplugging such cables, especially in a confined space, such that I worry I'll break the motherboard! I think the cheapo locks are made in China & they don't properly test them, and so often they simply don't work due to manufacturing variances. So I actually avoid locking SATA cables if I can.

ChrisH wrote:For what it is worth, "locking" SATA cables seem just as prone to working themselves loose (through heating/cooling expansion/contraction or mechanical vibration) as plain SATA cables.

Interesting - I haven't had this happen to me (yet, at least).

I think "locking" ones merely prevent the user from accidentally unplugging them.

Yes, and from accidentally hitting the side of the plug, or pulling the cable a bit to the side or whatever, so it doesn't sit straight in the socket any more and loses the connection on one or more contacts. This is what used to happen to me in my Sam460ex when rummaging around inside the case. The locks have helped a lot there.

But as always, YMMV, I suppose.

Best regards,

Niels