SATA Molex adapter: what is it?

This article promises to be sufficiently explanatory and theoretical. Today we will consider in detail such an actual subject in our time - the adapter. This will be a SATA Molex adapter ("SATA Molex"). In this article you will find answers to your questions, for example, what it is, what it is intended for, what function it performs, and others.

SATA Molex

To begin with, SATA (sat) is simply an abbreviation, but somewhat incomprehensible. In relation to computer technology, the decoding will be the next one - Serial Ata The Acronym. If to speak simply and clearly, then SATA is a serial interface, which appeared in 2003. It replaced the IDE connector, which was later renamed PATA (parallel) - parallel ATA, as it was a faster connector, which assumes data transfer rates of up to one and a half gigabit per second. This also explains the physical change of the connector directly to the hard drive, which resulted in the need for a special device. Here we are talking about the SATA power adapter (SATA). It is needed to connect new hard drives to older computers that do not have such a connector.

Why do I need a SATA Molex adapter (SATA Molex)?

To date, all modern computer power supplies have a Molex connector. Despite this, the SATA Molex adapter itself ("SATA Molex") has the urgency and quite high demand to this day. Why? For example, you want to install additional hardware on your personal computer in the form of hard disks (or as an optional CD-ROM drive). However, the available free SATA power connectors are already occupied. What will you do in this situation? You will receive a SATA Molex adapter ("SATA Molex").

What it is?

In fact, the SATA Molex adapter is the simplest device, which consists of two connectors for connecting to the connectors, connected by four cable segments. Earlier devices with a Molex connector were powered by the following four contacts: + 5V; Earth; Earth; +12. The power connector of the SATA has fifteen contacts. It is divided into five groups and has a sequence of + 3.3V; Earth; + 5V; Earth; + 12V.

There is also a less common SATA Molex adapter ("SATA Molex") for connecting power to the CD drive from the laptop. This device has a more compact connector due to the fact that it has only six contacts + 5V (instead of fifteen) and ground.

Pinout

Let's take a closer look at the Molex SATA (adapter). The pinout of this device, as well as the connector itself, is quite simple.

The first group of contacts in the SATA connector is a voltage of +3.3 volts. In the adapter, this group is not used, since the Molex connector does not have this voltage at all.

The second group of contacts is SATA-earth.

The third group of contacts of the connector has a voltage of +5 volts. It should be noted that it is combined with the first contact.

The fourth group of pins of the connector is ground, it is combined with the third contact of Molex (molex).

The fifth group of contacts of the SATA connector (+12 volts) is combined with the fourth contact of the Molex connector.

The adapter can be purchased at any computer store or in the radio parts department. These devices have completely different lengths: from several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. The price for the most common adapters is about one dollar. Also on sale there are adapters not only one to one. There are adapters from one Molex-connector to several SATA-connectors. This is very convenient in cases where all the free connectors on your power supply are already out of stock, while there is only one Molex available, but you need to include several CATA devices. Here, the device described in the article will help you.