question - motherboard

[Step]

Why does the motherboard cable have a red stripe???? What does this mean???

[tjaymadison]

Welcome, Step! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The data cable needs to be installed so that red-striped edge connects 'pin 1'
on the mobo to 'pin 1' on the connector of a device like a CD-ROM or hard drive.

Usually, but not always, the cable end connectors will also have a raised
key or 'bump', to make sure you have them in the correct orientation.


------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[rtd2x]

Some other information that might be helpful is that the "red stripe" will always meet the power connectors red stripe in the middle.

--=RTD2

[Paleo Pete]

HUH???

You lost me...The red stripe being referred to is the stripe on the ribbon cable that correlate sto the #1 pin on motherboard and device. It goes ONLY to the motherboard and device, and should always be oriented toward pin #1 on both ends. It has nothing to do with power cables at all. The only exception I know of is that with many, but not all, floppy drives, the #1 pin and therefore the red (or blue) stripe will be on the same side of the floppy drive as the power supply cable. A good rule of thumb since very few #1 pins are marked on floppy drives.

The only wires I know of that have anything to do with any "meet in the middle" rule are the main power cables on AT motherboards. Usually marked P8 and P9, the black wires on each MUST be in the middle position when plugged into the motherboard, and beside each other. Put the red wires in the middle and you fry a motherboard...

------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[kriptokool]

What rsd2x means(I think) is that when you connect the Ribbon to your HD, Cd-rom, ect. the Red Strip is always beside the power cable of that device.. and also the red cable of the bower is beside the ribbons red cable