Magnetic Disks: SCSI
SCSI devices are smart, fast, storage systems. The idea behind SCSI is to put the knowledge about intimate hardware details onto the device itself. In this way, the host system does not have to worry about things like how many heads each hard disks has, or how many tracks there are on a specific tape device. The SCSI standard specifies commands with which you can query your devices about their hardware particulars.

The advantage of intelligent devices is obvious: the device drivers on the host can be made in a much more generic fashion, there is no longer a need to change (and qualify!) drivers for every odd new device that is introduced.

For cabling and connectors there is a golden rule: use quality components. With bus speeds going up all the time a lot of grief can be saved by using good materials.

So, gold plated connectors, shielded cabling, sturdy connector hoods with strain reliefs etc are recommended.