Hello,

I was just read on this site that extra 40 conductors on an 80 conductor UltraATA cable are grounded and are only there to reduce signal interferance between the active wires. Does this mean that round cables (which are popular for there advantages in relation to cooling) are subject to signal interferance since the round configuration would put active wires next to each other? Or have the manufacturers of these cables have some other method to prevent this occuring?

Cheers,
Craig

Hey craigf, Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

In theory, it would increase the cross talk (wire-to-wire interference) and defeat the whole purpose of 80-wire IDE cables. However, in application, the difference isn't usually noticeable, and the better airflow makes up for it.

Also, if the wires inside the cable are covered with a good grade of insulation, and the ground and data wires are properly bundled, then cross talk and data corruption will be minimized.
However, some cable manufacturers use cheap insulation, some are sloppy with wire bundling, and some are guilty of both, which renders their cables more susceptible to data corruption.
Hence, it's wise to buy from a reputable supplier, like Belkin, even though it may cost a little more.

If you spend the extra money for quality cables like coolermaster (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-104-224&catalog=317&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) or Antec Cobra (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-105-001&catalog=317&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) you will avoid any chance of signal interference. Both use twisted pair wiring and have chasis ground wires. Well worth the few dollars more.

Thanks Everyone