4 pin molex power from usb

Have a look at this.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=2020D&cpc=SCH

I use one of these, works a treat. http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&biw=998&...

Thanks guys, all those are really great. But I already knew about them, and wanted to know if I could get enough power for the drive from the USB. If not, the external ac adapter was my plan B, but buying something pre-made is never as rewarding as when you solve a problem with a DIY!

you can do something like this (sory its ugly it only took me a few minutes)  

(click it to make it bigger)

The one I use is powered via usb.

One end in the drive, other end in usb and away you go.

This is also an option - http://www.dabs.com/products/startech-com-esata-usb-to-...

Thanks shovenose, I taught about doing it like that (5V to 5V and GND to GND), but where does that leave the 12v (yellow) in the molex? Can the drive still get power without it?

AS for data, I already have a 3.5 bay with an external sata connector, so that's not a problem... and since my usage is mostly in DOS, I best avoid USB.

Mine cost me £6 off eBay, arrived from Hong Kong 4 days later, job done.

Perfect!! I'll try it out right away. Thanks guys.

I'm a little confused, I thought your OP said you wanted to connect your laptop drives to your PC via USB but you were trying to go usb to 4 pim molex then 4 pin molex to sata??

Or have I got it wrong coz you then said you need to stay away from usb??

Or is it that you just want to make your own rather than let someone in HK do it for you?   ?

For data I've already got en external SATA port to connect my drives to. What I needed was external power, and that's why I wanted to go USB==>Molex==>SATA 15-pin.

Exactly, thats why both my suggestions were powered by the usb cable, so I did understand.

Best answer selected by hacman.