Rounding Ribbon Cables

Round Cables?

Last month I talked about the reduced amount of space inside the computer case. The trend to get smaller and smaller packs cables and devices inside, restricting the airflow needed to cool components. This results in a shorter lifespan for these components. If you missed last month's NewsLetter, click here.

One subscriber sent me info on rounding ribbon cables. This frees up a lot of space inside the computer and allows for better air flow.

Here's Sean's letter:

"The jungle of cables found inside the computer have become more and more dense. As you said, they can cause airflow restrictions and are a pain to work with. I have found an How-To guide on cable rounding that you may find interesting. The URL is: http://www.virtualhideout.net/guides/rc/index.shtml

There are also various places to buy pre-rounded cables. Just thought you might like to know.

-Sean"

Thanks Sean, it is interesting!...

I've seen rounded cables before and never given them much thought, so I decided to give this a shot. I've got a Pentium 200MMX I thought I'd try it out on. It has a floppy drive, hard drive, Zip drive, CD-Rom and CD-RW packed into a mid size case with no auxilliary fans.

The cables were easy to do. I didn't know ribbon cables could be pulled apart that easily! The computer has worked fine for the past three weeks. I can't say I notice any increase in performance or speed, but I haven't seen any problems, and it sure looks tidy inside. If I end up with any problems, I'll let you all know.

***NOTE***
This is a 'test' machine. I have nothing on this computer that I can't afford to lose. I am not suggesting you try this procedure. It is an experiment. Just like upgrading to an unsupported CPU, or overclocking, or using test software. Even though problems may not show up, the possibility for file corruption is there.

AGAIN... I suggest you do not try experimental procedures unless you have a computer that can be dedicated to that specific purpose!

Technology has changed an awful lot over the past several years; faster data transfers, better materials, shorter buses and more reliable signals. However, the reason they introduced flat ribbon cable in the first place was to reduce cross-talk, data corruption and signal loss.

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