Do I need to buy extra cables to install an SSD?

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Dec 8, 2016
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I bought a new SSD for my desktop computer to supplement my 2 TB HDD, but when I opened the case, there was only 1 free connector inside.

Based on my understanding, HDDs and SSDs need 2 connectors - one for SATA, and one for power. In the picture, the preinstalled HDD (right side) has 2 connectors connected to it, while the free slot only has one connector (left side).

Do I need to purchase an extra cable for my SSD? If so, which one am I lacking, the SATA cable or the power cable?

Update: If it helps, my desktop is a Dell XPS 8910 Special Edition.
The SSD I'm installing is a SanDisk Ultra Plus 120GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive.
 
Solution


Your understading is very correct.

You just need to buy another SATA3 cable to plug in the SSD, that's all. The four wired one there is from the PSU, it's the one to power up the HDD/SDD

Therefore, just plug the remaining power cable on the SSD, then plug the SATA3 on it and on the mobo as well. Easy as that.

To fully utilize the SSD, i will suggest a clean install of windows inside of it, it will greatly fasten your boot time.

manddy123

Admirable


Your understading is very correct.

You just need to buy another SATA3 cable to plug in the SSD, that's all. The four wired one there is from the PSU, it's the one to power up the HDD/SDD

Therefore, just plug the remaining power cable on the SSD, then plug the SATA3 on it and on the mobo as well. Easy as that.

To fully utilize the SSD, i will suggest a clean install of windows inside of it, it will greatly fasten your boot time.
 
Solution
The reason they don't give you one with the SSD is because motherboards usually come with 2 or more Sata data cables, and this regularly leaves people with extra cables. If you have an electronics store near you they'll have them, but they're pretty cheap online and you'll be spending more on shipping for it.