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These five SFF numbers identify different connector types, not interchangeable versions of a generic “Mini-SAS” plug. To choose a cable, identify the connector and role at both ends—controller, drive, backplane or enclosure—then check direction, power, sideband wiring and hardware requirements. The connector shape alone does not establish compatibility.
What each SFF connector is
SNIA’s SFF index gives the formal names below. Those names identify connector families; they are not pinout diagrams or a guarantee that two devices can be connected with any cable sharing a similar shape. See the SNIA SFF specifications index for the relevant specifications.
| Designation | Formal description | Practical context |
|---|---|---|
| SFF-8087 | Mini Multilane 4X Unshielded Connector Shell and Plug | Common internal Mini-SAS connector. Used in internal HBA-to-backplane cables and in breakouts to individual SATA or SAS drives. |
| SFF-8088 | Mini Multilane 4X Shielded Connector Shell and Plug | External Mini-SAS connector. Check that the enclosure and controller ports, and the cable assembly, use the matching external connectors. |
| SFF-8470 | Multilane 4/12X 10 Gb/s Shielded Connector (Copper) | An older shielded multilane connector. It is also described in cable listings as “4x InfiniBand” or multilane; that alias does not make arbitrary InfiniBand and SAS cables interchangeable. |
| SFF-8482 | Serial Attachment 2X Unshielded Connector | Often encountered as a 29-pin SAS drive connector that carries data and power. Breakout cables can terminate in four SFF-8482 receptacles for individual drives. |
| SFF-8484 | Multilane Serial Attachment 4X Unshielded Connector | An older-generation internal four-channel connector. Legacy cable examples include breakouts to four SFF-8482 drives or four SATA-style connectors. |
SNIA also lists SFF-8086 as the Mini Multilane 4X common-elements specification. For exact mechanical dimensions, signal assignments or implementation constraints, consult the applicable SFF specification and the equipment documentation.
How to choose the right cable
- Read the port designations. Identify the actual connector on the host and on the drive, backplane or enclosure. Treat a seller’s broad “Mini-SAS” label as insufficient; confirm the SFF number at each end.
- Identify what each end connects to. A common internal arrangement is SFF-8087 on an HBA to SFF-8087 on a backplane. Other configurations fan one SFF-8087 host connection out to four SATA connectors or four SFF-8482 drive connectors. Cable vendors list varied combinations, so check the endpoint plugs and receptacles against your hardware.
- Match direction as well as connector shape. A forward breakout cable from an HBA to four SATA devices should not be assumed to work in reverse, from four motherboard SATA ports to an expander or backplane. Verify the cable’s intended direction and the hardware manuals.
- Check how the drives receive power. Some assemblies carry power to the drives; others provide data connections that need separate SATA or Molex power leads. Read the exact cable description and inspect its wiring rather than inferring power delivery from the connector name.
- Check for sideband or SGPIO wiring. A backplane may require a separate sideband connection in addition to the data lanes. Supermicro’s guidance for one SFF-8087-to-four-SATA backplane case recommends a SAS-to-SATA cable with a sideband connector; this is a model-specific example, not a universal requirement. Follow the chassis documentation.
- Confirm performance and physical requirements. Check supported SAS generation, lane speed, cable length and host/backplane requirements in the manuals for the devices being connected. The connector designation alone does not establish that a particular cable meets every device’s electrical or performance requirements.
Common cable configurations
| Configuration | Typical use | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 | Internal HBA-to-backplane link | Both ports’ connector designation, cable length, lane and speed requirements, and any separate sideband connection. |
| SFF-8087 to four SATA connectors | HBA connection to four SATA devices | Forward versus reverse breakout direction; separate power leads may be required. |
| SFF-8087 to four SFF-8482 receptacles | Mini-SAS controller connection to multiple SAS drives | Drive fit, cable direction and whether the assembly supplies drive power. |
| SFF-8088 to a matching external port | Connection between external Mini-SAS-capable equipment | Both external ports and the complete assembly must match; an internal SFF-8087 cable is not a substitute just because the connector family name is similar. |
| SFF-8470 or SFF-8484 breakout | Legacy or specialized multilane connections | Exact endpoints, direction and wiring; “InfiniBand” or “four-channel” wording alone does not establish compatibility. |
Example: SFF-8087 to four SFF-8482 drives
A concrete cable type is an SFF-8087 to 4x SFF-8482 SAS cable. StarTech’s SAS808782P50 datasheet describes a 50 cm assembly with one 36-pin SFF-8087 plug fanning out to four 29-pin SFF-8482 receptacles, for connecting multiple SAS HDDs to a Mini-SAS controller connection. The datasheet says the cable provides data and power for multiple SAS HDDs. See the StarTech SAS808782P50 datasheet and confirm that its port roles and power arrangement suit your controller and drives.
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#1 Best Overall
CableDeconn Mini SAS 36 SFF-8087 to (4) SFF-8482 Connectors with SATA Power 1m
- connecting 4x SFF-8482 SAS drives to 1x SFF-8087 SAS controller connection, through a single cable
- Provides reliable, high-performance drive and Mini SAS controller connectivity
- Supports up to 6Gbps throughput per channel
- 4x SFF-8482 connections, each with data and power
- 1x SFF-8087 connector
When connector identification is not enough
The SFF designations identify connector types, but they do not provide a complete pin-by-pin map or prove that every cable with matching ends is electrically appropriate. If you need signal assignments, mechanical drawings or implementation details, consult the underlying SFF specifications and the manuals for the HBA, controller, backplane, enclosure and drives. Resolve any mismatch there rather than relying on a product photo or a generic cable label.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
CableCreation Mini SAS Cable with SATA Power, SFF-8087 to SFF-8482, 3.3 FT
- Kindly Reminder: This cable cannot work with SAS Driver. Internal Mini SAS 36pin SFF-8087 to (4) 29pin SFF-8482 connectors with SATA Power
- Mini SAS to SAS Cable: Mini SAS 36 pin (SFF-8087) connect to the controller, 4 x SAS connect to the HDD (Hard Disc Driver)
- 36 Pin to 29 Pin Cable: Mini SAS 36 pin is Host, 4 x SAS 29 pin is target, Internal mini Serial Attached SCSI x 4 (SFF-8087) to (4) x1 (SFF-8482) Serial Attached SCSI (controller based) fan-out cables
- Controller to SATA Disks: Connecting a SAS controller (SFF-8087) to four SATA disks (SFF-8482)
- Note: Due to the iterative updates of hard drives, the hard drive may not be recognized, please use insulating tape to cover the corresponding pins
Rank #4
OIKWAN Mini SAS to 4 SATA Cable, 36 Pin SFF 8087 Host/Controller to 7 Pin SATA Target/Backplane, Compatible with PERC H310, RAID Controller 3Feet(2 Pack)
- Internal Mini SAS data cable connects a RAID or PCIe controller with an SFF-8087 port to 4 discrete SATA drives; Mini SAS to SATA adapter provides reliable internal connectivity between a Serial attached SCSI controller card in a computer system and direct attached storage devices with a SATA connector
- Leverage hardware raid performance with this SATA multi-lane cable; Two cables can connect up to 8 SATA drives to span RAID controller arrays and share performance across two PCIe 2.0 x8 lanes with compatible host bus adapters; Supports up to 6Gbs data transfer rate per drive
- DIY or pro installers both appreciate the convenience of a forward fan-out cable with an internal mSAS connector when expanding storage needs; 3 foot cable harness of SAS to SATA cable provides sufficient length for internal cable management; Slim ribbon cables minimize airflow impact in a computer case
- Flexible design of SAS breakout cable includes acetate cloth tape over slim ribbon cables for strain relief to protect cables without rigidity; Woven mesh sheath covers half of the cable for easy routing; P1 to P4 markers provide easy ID after installation; Low profile SATA connectors have easy-grip treads with stainless steel latches to prevent accidental disconnection and reduce vibration disconnection
Rank #3
Cable Matters Internal Mini SAS to SATA Cable, SFF-8087, 1.6ft
- Internal Mini SAS data cable connects a RAID or PCIe controller with an SFF-8087 port to 4 discrete SATA drives; Mini SAS to SATA adapter provides reliable internal connectivity between a Serial attached SCSI controller card in a computer system and direct attached storage devices with a SATA connector
- Leverage hardware raid performance with this SATA multi-lane cable; Two cables can connect up to 8 SATA drives to span RAID controller arrays and share performance across two PCIe 2.0 x8 lanes with compatible host bus adapters; Supports up to 6Gbs data transfer rate per drive
- DIY or pro installers both appreciate the convenience of a forward fan-out cable with an internal mSAS connector when expanding storage needs; 3 foot cable harness of SAS to SATA cable provides sufficient length for internal cable management; Slim ribbon cables minimize airflow impact in a computer case
- Flexible design of SAS breakout cable includes acetate cloth tape over slim ribbon cables for strain relief to protect cables without rigidity; Woven mesh sheath covers half of the cable for easy routing; P1 to P4 markers provide easy ID after installation; Low profile SATA connectors have easy-grip treads with stainless steel latches to prevent accidental disconnection and reduce vibration disconnection
Rank #2
OIKWAN Mini-SAS Cable: 1M SFF-8087 to SFF-8482 Connector 4X 29Pin with SATA Power Adapter (3.3FT)
- The SFF-8087 to SFF-8482 4X connector is a cable or adapter designed for connecting Mini-SAS host ports to SAS hard drive devices.
- Connectors: SFF-8087 (Mini-SAS) to SFF-8482 (SAS drive interface)
- The SFF-8087 connector is commonly used on the host side, such as on RAID controllers or motherboards with Mini-SAS ports. The SFF-8482 connector is used on the target side, typically for connecting SAS hard drives.
- High-Performance Transfer: Supports data transfer rates up to 6Gbps, suitable for high-speed storage devices.
- Connector A (Host): SFF-8087 (Mini-SAS),Connector B (Target): 4 x SFF-8482 (SAS drive interface), each with a SATA power connector,Data Transfer Rate: Up to 6Gbps per channel
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