Question about my first SSD

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

Is SATA to 6-pin molex the standard for ssd power? My PSU only came with SATA to 6-pin so I was curious if that'll do the job or if I have to buy a separate cable

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

SATA SSD take the same power cables as SATA HDD. It looks like this

If you need a MOLEX to SATA adapter it looks like this:

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

I actually think I was mistaken what molex is. One side of the cable is the SATA just like the example you posted, and the other side is a 6-pin. (Whatever you call the adapter that connects to the power supply) is this what I need to get my ssd running ? Do I have the right cable

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

The only 6-pin adapters are PCI express power cables. MOLEX is a 4-pin as in the second example.

All modern power supplies come with SATA connectors, and probably few MOLEX.

Does your adapter look like this

That's actually the opposite of what you need: it turns SATA power into PCIe, not the other way around.

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

Yeah that's what mine looks like. So what the heck do I do. I shouldn't have to buy separate cables for my ssd what the heck lol

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

Look closely at all the connectors on the cables out of the PSU, there should be at least one SATA. Hell, it wouldn't make sense to carry a SATA to PCIe adapter in the box without a SATA connector to run it!

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

Can you give me a link or a picture for what I need to connect my Samsung 840 Pro SSD? I know it has 2 ports, one smaller SATA to connect to the MoBo which I have. Then the bigger SATA which I still have no freaking idea which cable this is supposed to be or where it connects to

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

The bigger one is a power cable, it looks like the first picture I posted above.

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

It should be one of the connectors coming out of the power supply.

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

So it should be a 4 pin molex?

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

There should also be free connectors that look like the picture I posted (unless they're already connected to HDDs). Modern PSUs have these. Is this a new build or are you upgrading a PC? How many other HDDs are there (if any). However, adapters from MOLEX to SATA power aren't expensive, and you can probably get one at a nearby Radio Shack.

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

It's a new build, my first build ever. Hopefully it's not bad that the thermal paste I applied under the Waterblock has been sitting under the block for 2 days without the PC being powered on at all ... I'm such a noob

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

The thermal paste should be fine. Go through all the connectors at the ends of the cables coming out of the PSU, there should be one that looks like the SATA power I posted that should fit into the larger slot on the SSD (unless all of those are occupied on other HDD or CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives). If you have unoccupied MOLEX but no unoccupied SATA it's easy to find that adapter as I said.

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

If you are using a dedicated video card you may need a 6-pin adapter (PCI express power). Lower end cards get enough power from the PCI express slot on the board but higher end cards need additional power - that's what the 6 pin is for.

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

http://www.corsair.com/en/power-supply-units/ax-series-power-supply-units/ax860-atx-power-supply-860-watt-80-plus-platinum-certified-fully-modular-psu.html

This has package contents for my PSU as well as pictures. Scroll down a bit. Tell me if you can see

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

Ah, I see now. You have a "modular" PSU, which means the cables are separate from the body of the PSU. Most PSU have the cables permanently attached. In that case the 6-pin end may go into a plug in the PSU and the other end to the SSD.

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

Sorry I didn't specify man. The 6 pin should work then

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

Sorry I didn't specify man. The 6 pin should work then

Setting Sun · Sep 30, 2013

SchizTech :

Sorry I didn't specify man. The 6 pin should work then

spooky2th · Sep 30, 2013

You have a seriously good PSU! Plenty of sata cables too.

SchizTech · Sep 30, 2013

Yep, you should be OK.

Question about my first SSD

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