Alternative to MOLEX to SATA?

Scougar

Scougar

Scougar

Soldato
Joined
30 Jan 2007
Posts
15,505
Location
PA, USA (Orig UK)
So... I bought a case... an EVGA Hadron Hydro. It's a mini ITX case, and has a decent inbuilt 500W power supply that can support high-end full sized cards.

However, I didn't realize that that it only has 2 SATA power connectors, but 4 MOLEX power connectors.

Obviously, my first thought was 'ah ha! I'll just use adapters!'... but then I read the horrors of seemingly badly made adapters that catch fire, or them being inherently flawed because of them missing a wire?

So, I can't really change the power supply as it is special for the case (I could replace the drive cage and put a normal ATX in... but I'm not going to do that).

What are the other options?

1) Are there any 'hubs' with sata cables coming out of them, that are powered by Molex, instead of using straight adapters?
2) Anything that runs from a PCI-E cable?
3) Are there actually any 'safe' adapters out there, that won't burn up?
 
Molex can supply more current than SATA to be fair.

Surely there are some adapters from a trustworthy source?

Also - how many drives are you fitting into this tiny build to need more SATA power?
 
I’ve used SATA->Molex and Molex->SATA adapters many times over the years in different builds without any issues.

Other options are SATA power splitters or extensions that aren’t powered by Molex. I can’t link to competitors but a quick google will show you.
 
@UnLuckyBenski 4.

Primary small OS SSD
Second SSD for games
Third a 1TB HDD for fast/storage
Fourth a 1TB 2.5inch HDD for video storage of paintball videos I make.


I would be interested in the SATA splitters if they are reasonable :)
 
Iv used many molex to sata adapters never had any issues. If you look at the adapters the one with molex connector then some wires going to a sata connector its a very simple design. Only way it can go wrong is if its some super cheapo design that uses 30awg hair strand wire. But iv never come across anything like that.
 
Molec to SATA adaptors have been out a long time now and you used to get them free in motherboard retail packages.

Some motherboards used to come with 4 adaptors and 4 data cables when SATA was new-ish so they are safe if you buy the better quality ones.
 
Last edited:
I used to use them years ago, but I've seen plenty of melted ones in amazon reviews, and the catchphrase "Molex to SATA, lose your data", is apparently a thing. lol.

I am tempted to sacrifice one of my other power supplies modular SATA cables, and solder them on. (SATA from 6-pin pci-e style connector.)

Side note: I did order a molex to SATA adapter though, of the 'crimped' style rather than the molded. Will inspect it carefully before using.
 
@Danny75 Amazing. Thank you :)

Now.. I'm not quite sure on the whole 4 drives on one cable thing, as hard drives spinning up, can draw a lot of amps... but this is the best part I have see so far.

Thank you so much for sharing, I am probably going to order one, as I'll sleep better at night knowing a high quality manufacturer produced it.
 
Scougar said:
@Danny75 Amazing. Thank you :)

Now.. I'm not quite sure on the whole 4 drives on one cable thing, as hard drives spinning up, can draw a lot of amps... but this is the best part I have see so far.

Thank you so much for sharing, I am probably going to order one, as I'll sleep better at night knowing a high quality manufacturer produced it.
Click to expand...

@Scougar

You're welcome.

I honestly don't know how much starting up power draw would be safe but the integrated capacitors were somewhat reassuring lol. I used it with a: DVD drive, 2 mech HDDs, 1 SSD.
 
Danny75 said:
@Scougar

You're welcome.

I honestly don't know how much starting up power draw would be safe but the integrated capacitors were somewhat reassuring lol. I used it with a: DVD drive, 2 mech HDDs, 1 SSD.
Click to expand...

I thought I was a little mad to create a thread on this. I am really glad I did now. Thank you :)
 
Molex to Sata is fine, the majority of the issue with them was when they were being misused for Mining PCI-E risers (In which case SATA isn't designed for the amount of current a Graphics card could pull)
 
Armageus said:
Molex to Sata is fine, the majority of the issue with them was when they were being misused for Mining PCI-E risers (In which case SATA isn't designed for the amount of current a Graphics card could pull)
Click to expand...

I would have probably have just agreed with you, but plenty of stuff out there saying otherwise, with people talking about HDDs and it happening. (and taking pictures of them on Amazon etc and many forums).
 
Scougar said:
I would have probably have just agreed with you, but plenty of stuff out there saying otherwise, with people talking about HDDs and it happening. (and taking pictures of them on Amazon etc and many forums).
Click to expand...

And yet they were commonplace with no issues when SATA drives were first introduced (before everyone upgraded to newer PSUs)
 
Armageus said:
And yet they were commonplace with no issues when SATA drives were first introduced (before everyone upgraded to newer PSUs)
Click to expand...

True. I have even used them in the past. It could be just the proliferation of cheap crap, or maybe all those people are lying (I'm not being factious) and they were inappropriately used?

For now I've bought crimped version, but will look at getting that silverstone unit.
 
Not a fan of adapters, except for controllers, LEDs etc.

I'd just keep an eye out on the MM for a decent, in Warranty PSU :)
 
Honestly never had a single issue with adapters and i've probably used a few hundred over the years. Generally if they fit snug and are of a decent gauge wire you should have no issues.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom