DiLinKer SlimSAS 4X to MiniSAS HD, SFF-8654 38pin to SFF-8643 36pin Cable 100cm

Bridge two generations of storage cabling with one cable. The DiLinKer 100cm assembly connects a SlimSAS 4x host connector (SFF-8654, 38-pin) to a MiniSAS HD device port (SFF-8643, 36-pin), carrying the same four lanes between the newer and previous connector standards. Use it when the controller has moved to SlimSAS but the backplane or adapter in the chassis is still SFF-8643.

Why this cable

• New host, old backplane. Keeps SFF-8643 drive cages and adapters in service when the controller side is SlimSAS.
• Four lanes, straight through. A 1:1 x4 link with no switch chip in the path.
• Protocol follows the host. Carries SAS or PCIe — tri-mode controllers and PCIe SlimSAS headers both work.
• Slim 38-pin connector. The half-width SlimSAS plug fits the densest controller layouts.
• 100cm working length. Standard reach for 1U and 2U routing.

Specifications

Compatibility

Works with

• SAS and tri-mode controllers with a SlimSAS 4x (38-pin) port.
• Boards with SlimSAS 4x headers.
• SFF-8643 backplanes, drive cages and U.2 adapters.
• 12G and 6G equipment — links negotiate down to the slowest component.

Does not work with

• SlimSAS 8x (74-pin) hosts — this cable is 4x on the host side.
• MCIO (SFF-TA-1016) host ports.
• Drives connected directly. The SFF-8643 end must meet a backplane, cage or adapter port.

Typical deployments

• Controller refresh. A SlimSAS-generation card driving an existing SFF-8643 backplane.
• Mixed-generation storage. SAS or NVMe devices on SFF-8643 hardware fed from a SlimSAS host.
• Short chassis runs. 100 cm suits 1U builds where the 100 cm version would need coiling.

Frequently asked questions

Which end is newer — SlimSAS or MiniSAS HD?

SlimSAS (SFF-8654) is the newer standard, designed for SAS 4.0 and denser boards. MiniSAS HD (SFF-8643) is the previous generation. This cable lets equipment from both generations work together.

Can I run NVMe through it?

Yes, if the host port carries PCIe — tri-mode controllers and PCIe SlimSAS headers do. The device side must also be PCIe equipment, such as an SFF-8643 NVMe backplane or U.2 adapter.

Will a 12G backplane work from a 24G controller?

Yes. The link negotiates to 12 Gb/s. The cable does not limit the link.

Do I need to check the pinout first?

On standard equipment, no — both ends follow their SFF specifications. If your backplane comes from a system vendor that re-purposes connectors, send us the model before ordering.

In the box

• 1 × SlimSAS 4x to MiniSAS HD cable, 100 cm (SKU B0B5CCLGNF)

Backed by a 24-month warranty. If a link trains at reduced width or does not appear, contact us with your controller and device models and we will help you isolate the cause.

Related

• All SlimSAS (SFF-8654) cables
• All MiniSAS HD (SFF-8643) cables