Need help to install the Microsemi Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-4i4e SAS controller into the HP Z8 G4

[StevieTee]

Having purchased the Microsemi Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-4i4e SAS controller recommemded by HP for SAS drives I am now faced with how to install it. The 4 default factory SATA cables which run from the backplane of the hard drive bays to the motherboard should be able to be plugged into a SFF 8643 - 4 forward break out cables to connect with the Microsemi SAS controller, but all of the SFF 8643 cables I can find have the opposite SATA inputs, female when male ends are required to mate with the 4 HP factory supplied cables from the backplane. Are male to male SATA plug adapters available ? Some have recommended the Microchip-Technology Adaptec ACK-I-HDmSAS-4SAS-SB-.8M (part number 2280100-R)   here: https://www.misco.co.uk/product/Cables/SCSI-Cables/Microchip-Technology/2280100-R-Microchip-Adaptec-...  but I don't know if they will fit on the backplane of the Z8 G4 or whether the power connector will fit the existing one. I wish to install 4 x 4tb SAS drives rated at 12gbps.  Can anyone offer advice please ?

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

yes, male to male adapters are available i use them to connect my adaptec 71605T sas/sata card to the z820's internal 4 hotswap bays

your issue may be how you are searching, you need to look for 7 pin male to male "SATA" adapters which also work fine with SAS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255220961547?hash=item3b6c5ad10b:g:tuwAAOSw~TJgrF6M&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsG...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/283824303900?hash=item42153f2f1c:g:zg8AAOSwF59eZf8w&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsH...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/313702967275?hash=item490a2767eb:g:oIQAAOSwNABgrF6G&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsO...

https://www.amazon.com/Pin-Male-Adapter-7MALE2M-Coupler/dp/B017QZQFS2

https://cpustuff.com/7-pin-male-male-sata-adapter-7male2m/

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/2251832309943785.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

[StevieTee]

Thank you very much for those links and confirmation that the male to male adapters work with the SAS drives.

[StevieTee]

DGroves, regarding using the Male to Male adapters, have you noticed any drop in bandwidth/performance as opposed to using direct SATA connectors, are they rated for SAS III ? The SAS drives I will be using are capable of 12 gbps. Typically it is proving difficult to find UK stockists for the Male to Male adapters, even by using your suggested search terms.