I just purchased my 1st SATA device an Emprex 20x DVD writer. It is to be installed in a Dell XPS WHL . My perusal of the technical DATA pertaining to the computer indicates that 2 SATA devices can be connected to it. My question is;once i open the case am i likely to find both the SATA power connection and data transfer cables (as would normally be the case as with IDE connection devices) or am i going to need to purchase one or both of these cables? No cables were included with the drive.I know i would soon find out if i opened the case. I try not to do that more often than necessary so as to minimize any problems that (in spite of all the precautions) might occur. truenorththe power connector might be present on a power supply lead, but you'll likely need the SATA cable(s).

My THINKING is that although with IDE connections the manufacturer often connects a HD and a optical drive on separate channels (and thus two cables), with SATA, each device GETS a separate cable. I don't think they'd waste money putting an unused data cable inside.BC_Programmer,THANK you for your input.It of course would make a great deal of sense that the manufacturer of the computer (that sold for well over $1000.00) would not want to expend so much more on a SATA data cable.Also that given that fact (if it turns out to be the case) that the optical drive manufacturer would package a product that also doesn't include the cable. They (the manufacturer) must be close relatives of the printer manufacturers.truenorth