Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) is a high-speed data storage interface designed for high-throughput and fast data access. Intended primarily for data storage centers the SAS interface is backwards compatible with SATA. This allows the user to mix more expensive lower-capacity SAS drives for applications that require faster data access and higher reliability with lower-cost higher-capacity SATA drives for applications with lower access speed requirements. Monoprice carries a full line of quality SAS cables with connectors for every possible application both internal and external. This 1/2 meter long cable uses 30 AWG wires and is intended for internal use. It has a single 36-pin SFF-8087 male Mini-SAS plug (with locking latch) on one end and has four 7-pin SATA female plugs (with locking latches) on the other allowing you to connect four SATA drives to an SAS controller. This is a Forward Breakout cable meaning that it is intended to connect to a host/controller on the SAS end and to drives on the SATA end. Guide to SAS Connectors Type # of Pins Environment SFF-8087 36 Internal SFF-8088 26 External SFF-8482 29 SFF-8484 32 SFF-8470 34 External (also sometimes internal)