IDE Cable question

I have a question regarding IDE drive cables: Can they be installed backwards? I don't mean trying to put the plugs in wrong; I mean end to end? Of the three connectors on an IDE cable, there is a shorter distance between the 2 connectors meant for the drives than from the center connector to the mobo end. Would it work if I connected the mobo end to my primary drive; center to my secondary, and the short end to the mobo?

The reason why is that I have a single drive in my computer and it is in a removeable drive tray (so I can swap drives with different OS and backups in and out easily). But this drive tray is longer than the average 5 1/4" device, so I have it mounted in the uppermost bay so it won't hit the memory on the mobo. My other 2 bays have a CD-R and a DVD drive. I want to put a second HD in, but can only mount it under the floppy, and the short length of an IDE cable won't reach between the two (but the long length will).

I thought I'd ask if anyone knows if this will work OK before I tear the computer apart.
Thanx!

 

i don't see why not, but then, you'll have to twist the cable a bit to get it to fit properly. don't hurt to try, though.

 

I don't think you'd have any problem with the older 40-line ATA-33/66 cable.

But for ATA-100 or 133, you'll have to use the 80-conductor cables. The plugs on those are marked for their intended connection socket, and I've always assumed they did that for a reason.

Anybody know what that reason is?

Anyway, Mafwanix, let us know how you make out -- and which kind of cable and ATA interface you're using.