What is the current opinion on rounded IDE cables?*

[Darkwolven]

I need an idea because I need to improve airflow through my case and i am trying to keep it as quite as possible. I had heard that there were concerns regarding rounded cables when they first came out. What is the current take?

[JacKDynne]

When you can make 'em yourself? Check this link:

h**p://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/rc/index.shtml

Seen a link similar to this but couldn't find it....props to the author...

[ernest]

I have had round cables in for at least 6 months with no problem

[hamslammer]

Make your own. Buy the black plastic corrigated auto wire loom material from your local auto parts store, say 1/2" or 3/4" size. Carefully fold your IDE cables in the center and then fold it again. Install over the cables, leaving a small amount of space at each end to avoid any cable damage and wrap with electrical tape. I did all of mine weeks ago and have had no problems at all. They look pretty good and I have a 4 degree (C) drop in temperature. No cutting and splitting of wires involved at all, very easy and simple!!

[adams]

thanks hamslammer, hadn't heard of that way before. i had read many articles on cutting and then putting colored tape on them, but when i did it, it made the cables stiff.

[Darkwolven]

I just ordered two sets $9 each with my new LiteOn drive to save shipping costs, so I will see what they are like when they get here I guess. I am not particularly nimble fingered with small parts as I get frustrated the smaller it is, so cutting an ATA 100 cable is out. An ATA 33 I would probably try, but that would be useless for me. I would rather pay a few extra to have it done professionally with the nice rubber guards.

[e d d y]

definitely looks nicer and improve the airflow, but some ppl said that the unshielded one might cause interference of data transfer. me never had any problem tho since i'm not a hardcore in those.

[Voodoo]

I have had mine for 7 weeks now and my drives are running at UDMA, noo problems. I am also sure that they do improve airflow. If you have a window I would recomend these as they look really cool. (Better than self made one's)

Cheerz
Dave