SAS Cable Overview From Internal Interconnection 8087 to External High-Speed 8654
When building or upgrading enterprise-level storage systems, high-performance workstations, or even certain NAS devices, we often encounter various cables that look similar. Among them, cables related to "MINI SAS" are crucial but can be confusing. Today, we will delve into the "MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable" and "MINI SAS 8087 Cable" to help you clearly understand their uses and differences.
I. Basic Understanding: What is MINI SAS?
Firstly, SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) is a protocol used to connect and control external devices of a computer, mainly hard disk drives. It has replaced the outdated parallel SCSI technology. MINI SAS is a physical form of the SAS interface, which is smaller than the earlier SAS interfaces and can provide high-bandwidth connections in limited spaces.
During the evolution of MINI SAS, various interface models have emerged, among which SFF-8087 and SFF-8654 are two very important representatives.
MINI SAS 8087 (SFF-8087): This is the classic model of the internal MINI SAS connector. It is a 36-pin interface, typically used to connect the motherboard (HBA card) to the backplane or directly to multiple hard drives. One SFF-8087 interface aggregates four SAS channels, each with a theoretical bandwidth of 6Gbps (depending on the SAS version, it can also be 3Gbps or 12Gbps), thus the total bandwidth can reach up to 24Gbps.
MINI SAS 8654 (SFF-8654): This is a newer external connector standard, often referred to as Mini SAS HD. It also has 36 pins but is physically smaller and more compact in design. It is mainly used to connect external ports of devices, such as from a server host to an external disk cabinet. One SFF-8654 interface also supports four SAS channels and is compatible with SAS 3.0 (12Gbps) and higher versions.
II. Core Analysis: MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable
Now, let's focus on the first keyword: MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable.
From the name, we can directly interpret:
One end is the SFF-8087 interface (internal interface)
The other end is the SFF-8654 interface (external interface)
"4i" usually represents "4 channels internally", here it can be understood as this cable carries a complete 4-channel SAS connection.
What is the core function of this cable? - It is the "bridge" connecting the internal and external expansion storage of the server.
Typical application scenarios:
Imagine you have a tower server or workstation with an HBA card on the motherboard with an SFF-8087 interface. Now, you need to connect an external SAS disk array cabinet, and the external interface of this disk array cabinet is exactly SFF-8654.
At this time, the MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable comes into play. You insert the SFF-8087 end into the internal HBA card of the server, and connect the SFF-8654 end to the port of the external disk cabinet. In this way, the server can recognize and manage all the hard drives in the disk cabinet.
In simple terms, this is a "from inside to outside" connection line, achieving seamless and high-speed data transmission from the SAS controller inside the server to the external storage device.
III. Comparative Understanding: MINI SAS 8087 Cable
The second keyword "MINI SAS 8087 Cable" is a broader concept, referring to a cable with one or both ends being SFF-8087 interfaces. It is usually used for internal connections of devices.
Common types of MINI SAS 8087 Cable include:
Direct connection type (SFF-8087 to SFF-8087): The most common type, used for direct connection between HBA card and server backplane.
Branch type (SFF-8087 to 4x SATA/SAS): One end is SFF-8087, and the other end branches out into 4 independent SATA or SAS data interfaces. This cable is often used to directly connect the HBA card to 4 independent SATA or SAS hard drives without going through the backplane.
Reverse branch type (SFF-8087 to SFF-8643): Used to connect old standard HBA cards with updated interfaces (such as SFF-8643) to the backplane or hard drives.
Key differences from 8087 to 8654 cable:
Application field: MINI SAS 8087 Cable is mainly used in the server chassis; while 8087 to 8654 Cable is specifically used to connect internal and external devices.
Function positioning: The former is the "internal interconnection" cable, while the latter is the "interior-exterior bridge" cable.
IV. Summary and Purchase Suggestions
Feature MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable General MINI SAS 8087 Cable
Interface combination One end SFF-8087, one end SFF-8654 Usually both ends are SFF-8087, or one end branches out
Main use Connecting the internal and external storage expansion cabinets of the server Component connection within servers and storage devices
Application scenarios External DAS (Direct Attached Storage) connection Connecting HBA card to backplane, or directly connecting hard drives
Cable type External cable (usually thicker, better shielding) Internal cable
Purchase suggestions: Clarify requirements: Do you need to connect external devices or just perform internal wiring?
Confirm interfaces: Before purchasing, please carefully check the interface types on your server HBA card and expansion cabinet. Determine whether it is SFF-8087 or SFF-8654.
Pay attention to versions: Ensure that the cables support the SAS speed you need (such as SAS 3.0 12Gbps). High-quality cables can guarantee signal integrity and stability.
Appropriate length: Select the appropriate length of cables based on the cabinet layout to avoid being too short for connection or too long to cause disorder.
Through the above analysis, we believe you have a clear understanding of "MINI SAS 8087 to 8654 4i Cable" and "MINI SAS 8087 Cable". They are indispensable "vessels" in building an efficient and reliable storage system. Correct selection and use of them is the foundation for ensuring the stable performance of the system.
Post time: Oct-22-2025
