What is a Backplane Ready drive?

[Albert]

Could you explain to me what Backplane Ready means. Trying to spec
out a Windows Server and noticed that Western Digital 300GB Raptor
comes in 2 models: Backplane Ready and SATA cable connect. What does
Backplane Ready refer to?

 

[david]

What does Backplane
Ready refer to?

I believe that it means that it fits a 3.5" form factor (the connectors
are located as if it was a 3.5"-sized drive).

 

[Guest]

Could you explain to me what Backplane Ready means. Trying to spec
out a Windows Server and noticed that Western Digital 300GB Raptor
comes in 2 models: Backplane Ready and SATA cable connect. What does
Backplane Ready refer to?

It refers to the interface type. "Backplane Ready" drives are intended
for installation in external, multi-drive enclosures, usually for RAID
and hot swap purposes.

Long story short: if you're buying the drive for a desktop computer
and not an external multi-drive enclosure, you need the standard
"SATA cable connect" version.