In message , John
Rumm writes
Lee wrote:

You can sometimes get away with slightly longer cables if they are
shielded. Haven't seen anything in the ATA specs about shielded
cables, but I am using a round 28" ide cable with two ATA133 drives
with no apparent problems (very large case and the drives are in an
awkward

I think I have used 34" in the past - but that was probably only ATA66.
As with most of these things, what happens in reality will vary on many
factors so you may as well try it and see what gives!

position) - this cable is nicely constructed though with the data
lines in shielded cable with an overall grounded shield.
The mobo also recognises it as a 80 conductor cable, ISTR that it
cost a stupid amount of money though...

The mobo or the cable? The round cables can be had for relatively
little these days.

About £1.50 each the last time I bought some

--
geoff