solderic.com SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 are both industry-standard connectors used in SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) storage systems, with SFF-8087 being the older Mini-SAS connector supporting up to 4 lanes at 6Gbps, while SFF-8643 is its newer counterpart designed for 12Gbps speeds and improved cable management. Understanding the differences between these connectors is crucial for optimizing Your storage setup; continue reading to explore their specifications, compatibility, and use cases.
Comparison Table
| Feature | SFF-8087 | SFF-8643 |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | Mini SAS 36-pin | Mini SAS HD 36-pin |
| Connector Size | Standard | High Density (smaller) |
| Data Rate | SAS-3 up to 12 Gbps | SAS-3/SAS-4 up to 12/22.5 Gbps |
| Cable Compatibility | Standard Mini SAS cables | Mini SAS HD cables (backward compatible with SFF-8087) |
| Use Case | Legacy SAS 12 Gbps connections | Modern SAS 12/22.5 Gbps & NVMe connections |
| Mechanical Latch | Standard latch | Improved latch for better retention |
Introduction to SFF-8087 and SFF-8643
SFF-8087, known as the Mini-SAS internal connector, supports up to four lanes of SAS or SATA storage devices, primarily used in server and storage applications for high-speed data transfer. SFF-8643, the Mini-SAS HD (High Density) connector, offers a smaller form factor with improved signal integrity and supports similar speeds while enhancing cable management in dense storage environments. Your choice between SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 should consider compatibility with your hardware and the desired balance between performance and form factor.
Overview of SFF-8087 Connector
The SFF-8087 connector, also known as the Mini-SAS internal connector, supports high-speed data transfer for SAS and SATA drives within servers and storage systems. Featuring a compact design with 36 pins arranged in a single row, it enables four lanes of SAS or SATA signals through one cable, enhancing cable management and system airflow. Commonly used in enterprise storage solutions, the SFF-8087 standard ensures reliable performance and compatibility with various backplanes and host bus adapters in data centers.
Overview of SFF-8643 Connector
The SFF-8643 connector is a high-density Mini-SAS HD interface designed for internal storage connectivity, supporting up to 12 Gbps per lane with four lanes per connector. It uses a compact form factor that enables improved airflow and easier cable management in server environments compared to the older SFF-8087 standard. Developed to accommodate SAS 3.0 protocols, the SFF-8643 offers enhanced data transfer speeds and reliability for modern enterprise storage solutions.
Key Differences Between SFF-8087 and SFF-8643
SFF-8087 is a Mini-SAS internal connector primarily used for connecting storage devices within servers, supporting up to four SAS or SATA lanes. SFF-8643, also known as Mini-SAS HD, offers higher data transfer rates and improved signal integrity with a smaller form factor, supporting SAS 3.0 speeds up to 12 Gbps per lane. The key difference lies in SFF-8643's enhanced performance capabilities and compact design compared to the older, bulkier SFF-8087 connector.
Performance and Speed Comparison
SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 connectors both support high-speed SAS connections but differ in their performance capabilities. SFF-8087, primarily used for SAS 2.0, supports speeds up to 6 Gbps per lane, while SFF-8643, designed for SAS 3.0 and newer, doubles this speed to 12 Gbps per lane. Your choice between these connectors impacts overall data transfer rates and storage system efficiency, especially in high-performance computing environments.
Compatibility and Use Cases
SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 connectors differ mainly in compatibility and use cases, with SFF-8087 designed for SAS and SATA internal connections on legacy servers and storage devices, while SFF-8643 serves newer SAS 3.0 systems requiring higher data transfer rates up to 12 Gb/s. SFF-8087 typically supports 4 lanes of 6 Gb/s per lane and is found in older generation enterprise hardware, whereas SFF-8643 supports the same number of lanes but at double the speed, making it suitable for modern high-performance storage arrays and RAID controllers. Your choice between these connectors should consider the device's motherboard or controller port compatibility and the desired data throughput for optimal system performance.
Cable and Connector Design Differences
SFF-8087 connectors, commonly used for internal mini-SAS connections, feature a 36-pin design with four lanes supporting SAS or SATA devices, enabling efficient data transfer within servers or storage arrays. SFF-8643, designed for next-generation SAS 3.0 interfaces, also uses a 36-pin connector but incorporates improvements like higher data rates up to 12 Gb/s and enhanced signal integrity for better performance. Your choice between SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 cables should consider compatibility with host controllers and devices, as the connectors differ in both physical keying and data signaling capabilities.
Choosing the Right Connector for Your Application
SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 connectors are essential for high-speed SAS and SATA storage applications, with SFF-8087 supporting older generations and SFF-8643 designed for newer, more compact servers. Your choice depends on the specific hardware compatibility and data transfer needs; SFF-8643 offers improved signal integrity and higher bandwidth, making it ideal for modern enterprise environments. Ensure that your system's backplane or controller supports the selected connector to maximize performance and reliability.
Future Trends in SAS Connectors
SFF-8643 connectors are becoming the industry standard for next-generation SAS architectures due to their higher data transfer rates and improved signal integrity compared to the older SFF-8087 connectors. Future trends indicate a shift toward SFF-8643 adoption in data centers, driven by the growing demand for 12Gb/s SAS speeds and enhanced scalability options. Innovations in SAS connectors increasingly prioritize backward compatibility and support for advanced RAID configurations to optimize storage performance.
Frequently Asked Questions: SFF-8087 vs SFF-8643
SFF-8087 and SFF-8643 are both Mini-SAS connectors used for internal storage connections, with SFF-8087 supporting SAS 2.0 at 6 Gbps and SFF-8643 supporting SAS 3.0 at 12 Gbps speeds. You often ask about backward compatibility; SFF-8643 cables can connect to SFF-8087 ports with appropriate adapters, but maximum speed defaults to the slower interface. When selecting between the two, consider your system's bandwidth needs and device compatibility to optimize performance and future-proof your storage solution.
SFF-8087 vs SFF-8643 Infographic
