Mini SAS Cables: Internal & External Connectivity Solutions for Modern Servers

In today’s enterprise IT landscape, the demand for high-speed, reliable, and space-efficient connectivity has never been greater. Data centers, enterprise servers, and industrial computing platforms all rely on robust cabling solutions to ensure seamless communication between storage devices and host systems. Mini SAS cables have emerged as one of the most effective interconnect technologies, combining compact design with outstanding signal integrity.

Two of the most widely deployed solutions are:

Mini SAS 36P SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 internal server cables
Mini SAS SFF-8088 to SFF-8088 external server cables

Together, these cables provide the backbone for both internal and external SAS connectivity, enabling scalable, high-performance infrastructures across industries.

High-Speed Transmission with Compact Design

The SFF-8087 connector is a 36-pin Mini SAS interface designed specifically for internal SAS interconnects. Featuring a plastic latch mechanism, it is commonly used on Mini SAS 4i RAID cards to connect SAS HBAs with internal drive subsystems. Fully compliant with SAS 2.0, the SFF-8087 supports data transfer rates of up to 6Gbps, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive workloads inside servers and storage racks.

Its external counterpart, the SFF-8088 connector, is a 26-pin Mini SAS interface housed in a shielded metal casing. Also compliant with SAS 2.0, it supports 6Gbps transmission speeds and is widely used for external SAS interconnects. Together, SFF-8087 and SFF-8088 enable up to four ports (four channels) of SAS data, bridging internal and external connectivity in one streamlined solution.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Performance

Current rating: 0.5A per pin
Voltage rating: 30VAC per contact
Contact resistance: ≤30mΩ initial, ≤15mΩ after stress testing
Dielectric withstand: 500VAC for 1 minute
Insulation resistance: ≥1000MΩ

Signal Integrity

Connector impedance: 100Ω ±15%
Cable impedance: 100Ω ±10%
Cable pair matching: ±5Ω
Common-mode impedance: 25–40Ω
Insertion loss: ≤-6dB up to 4.5GHz; ≤-11dB up to 9GHz
Crosstalk suppression: -35dB up to 6GHz

Mechanical Performance

Mating force: ≤55N
Unmating force: ≤49N
Tested under EIA 364-13 standards at 25mm/min insertion/extraction speed

Environmental Compliance

RoHS 2.0
China RoHS
REACH SVHC

These specifications ensure that Mini SAS cables deliver stable throughput, excellent durability, and reliable performance even in high-density environments.

Application Scenarios

Mini SAS cables are versatile and widely deployed across multiple industries:

Data centers: Compact cabling supports high-density racks and scalable storage expansion.
Enterprise servers: Reliable SAS connections ensure uninterrupted performance for mission-critical workloads.
Workstations: Professionals in engineering, design, and media benefit from faster access to large datasets.
RAID arrays: Efficient cabling supports redundancy and high-speed throughput for storage reliability.
Industrial computing: Embedded systems and automation platforms gain scalable storage connectivity.
Storage expansion: Provides additional drive interfaces to meet growing storage demands.

By supporting both internal and external connectivity, Mini SAS cables simplify system upgrades and expansions, making them cost-effective and future-ready.

Why Partner with Us?

As a professional manufacturer specializing in high-speed interconnects and precision cable assemblies, we deliver Mini SAS cables engineered for performance, durability, and ease of use.

Partnering with us means:

Direct factory supply with competitive pricing
Strict quality assurance and compliance with international certifications
Customization options for length, angle, and connector type
Technical support for modern server and storage design challenges

Whether you require standard configurations or tailored solutions, our expertise ensures that your infrastructure remains reliable and scalable.

Conclusion：

Mini SAS cables—whether SFF-8087 internal server cables or SFF-8088 external interconnects—are more than just connectors. They are strategic components in building smarter, faster, and more scalable systems.

With their compact footprint, reliable performance, and broad compatibility, Mini SAS cables represent the future of high-speed interconnect solutions in enterprise electronics.

Explore our full range of Mini SAS solutions at http://www.wahsondg.com. Whether you are prototyping or scaling up production, Mini SAS cables are a smart investment in performance and efficiency. Contact us today to access datasheets, MOQ options, and lead times tailored to your region.

Mini SAS Cables: Internal & External Connectivity Solutions for Modern Servers