What is the Difference Between a 4 Pin and a 6 Pin Firewire?

A 6-pin firewire cable

Firewire, also referred to as IEEE 1394, is a protocol used to connect computer, video, and audio devices. Firewire is available in two different formats: Firewire 800 and Firewire 400, the latter of which uses both 4-pin and 6-pin cables.

Firewire 400 Features

Firewire 400 cables come in 4-pin or 6-pin configurations. The 4-pin cables simply send data to and from the device, whereas 6-pin cables include two extra pins which allow your computer to power your external Firewire 400 device. A 6-pin Firewire cable can eliminate the need for your external device to be plugged into the wall.

Considerations

Although there is no difference between 4-pin and 6-pin cables in terms of speed or quality of the data being sent, 4-pin cables are smaller and more delicate. Some users have criticized the smaller cables for being more prone to damage.

Warning

Both 4-pin and 6-pin cables are smaller and more delicate than the newer 9-pin cables used with Firewire 800 devices. Power off your external device before unplugging 4-pin and 6-pin cables in order to prevent an electrical charge.

References

• 1394 Trade Association: Developers' FAQs
• IEEE Explore: IEEE Standard for High-Performance Serial Bus