Molex to SATA converter

OK, well the two identical systems I built a few years ago work very well.

I am now in a position where I want to experiment with adding a second SATA SSD drive in one of them.

I opened up the case to plug in a second SSD (identical to the main SSD) and discovered a little problem.

I can see the remaining three spots on the mb to plug in the SATA data cable.

That's not the problem. Although some guidance there would also be helpful.

The four spots are labeled and configured in this way:

SATA3_A1   SATA3_1
SATA3_A2   SATA3_2

I plugged my main SSD into SATA3_1 which seemed the most logical to plug into.

The manual may have even recommended it be used first.

I am aiming to plug the second into SATA3_2.  Would that be correct?

The problem that I discovered is that the only remaining plug coming from the power source

is a Molex plug. Of course it can't plug directly into my SATA SSD.

So I need some kind of adapter to get the job done.

Before I get to my questions I need to explain what we are dealing with here.

The only power lead coming from my power source has two Molex leads.

The main lead is still not being used. But it has a branch that I am using.

Normally I don't use branches, but go for the the main lead.

In this case I had no choice because it was the branch that had an SSD connector attached to it (not removable).

So my questions.

I'll start with, what is the 'standard way' of dealing with this situation?

The Molex plug that I am looking at does not look like the Molex plugs I used on my old PC's.

It has four pins that have holes in them, but they look narrower than the old ones I used to use.

I learned that there are power SSD splitter cables. So it is also conceivable that I could take the end I have plugged into

my SSD and attach a splitter to it and attach it to my two drives.

So guidance on the best way to proceed would be welcome! 

If photos are required I could post them.

Please post photos

Thanks Dan for helping.

First photo is of my SATA connections on the mb.

The top SATA is my main one. The second is attached to the mb but hanging loose on the other end right now.

Second photo is of the Molex plug.

Third photo is of the Molex plug and SSD main drive hanging outside the case.

 IMG_20240523_211805.jpg   101.58KB   0 downloads

 IMG_20240523_211841.jpg   149.08KB   0 downloads

 IMG_20240523_211911.jpg   176.03KB   0 downloads

Those are standard molex

OK thanks. I read online that there are actually three sizes for the Molex pins (which I didn't know about).

Mine is around 2.1 mm (diam) and looks like female?

I'm a little confused if you are saying they are standard.

Because if it is, and I have the female end, that would mean an even smaller diam. would

need to fit inside it and my memory of my old Molex male pins is that they would never be able to

fit inside what I have here.

Anyway. Back to my questions though. How would you proceed if you were in my situation?

Buy a standard male Molex to SATA converter cable or buy a SATA splitter cable and take my SATA

end and attach the splitter to it?

If both work it seems like six of one half dozen of the other right?

Because if I use the main Molex cable + the split part I would be sharing power directly from the Molex.

If I used a SATA splitter cable I would be taking the split feed from the Molex and splitting that power again with

the splitter cable.

Is there any difference in practice (if both would work)?

Recommendation?

I would go with one of these. As far as I know, there is only one size of molex connectors used in a computer PSU.

https://www.amazon.com/SDTC-Tech-Splitter-Adapter-Extension/dp/B07P12ZBYX/r

I would go with one of these. As far as I know, there is only one size of molex connectors used in a computer PSU.

 

https://www.amazon.com/SDTC-Tech-Splitter-Adapter-Extension/dp/B07P12ZBYX/r

OK thanks John, that looks like it should work just fine.

So if I order it, one last question (kind of related to what I was asking before).

I would have two options.

1. Leave my first connection to my main drive as is and then attach the new Molex cable and plug one of the two ends into my second SSD.

2. Disconnect my main SSD from the cable that's now connected to it, attach the new Molex cable and use both ends, one to the main SSD and the other to the second SSD.

Which would you go with?

I would do Number 1.

I would do Number 1.

Thanks John.

I would do Number 1.

 

I would do Number 1.

I agree

 

Thanks Dan.

I just ordered the cable.