Identifying HOST and TARGET side on SFF-8087 - SATA cables

[StephenFry]

After buying a second-hand server case, the previous owner was kind enough to donate a decent supply of SFF-8087 cablery.

Recognizing some was easy: the 8087-to-8087 cables are straightforward.
Others have labels, type numbers from Amphenol or Molex, and other searchable info.

But not all have labels, and I found it kind of strange that I would have no way of recognizing a cable simply by looking at it.

What's the trick I'm missing here, people?

 

[wblock]

Not quite understanding the question. An SFF8087 to SATA cable has an SFF8087 on one end and splits into several SATA connectors on the other.

 

[Ericloewe]

You mean distinguishing forward and reverse breakout cables? I don't expect that to be possible unless specifically noted on the cable or electrically testing them.

 

[StephenFry]

You mean distinguishing forward and reverse breakout cables?

That is how I should have put it!

Even many (online) shops have no idea what they're selling. Forward cables are common enough to find, reverse a lot more rare - at least ones labeled as such.

Cheers for clearing up that it's not easy to clear up :)