Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

[DTLMG]

I work with closely with an electronics recycling center. I have access to hundreds if not thousands of power supplys from computer CPU's I always go picking through the large boxes looking for ones i can use. Most have only one or two SATA connectors. Not a problem I simply have been buying the adapter and connecting to the Molex to make a SATA power connector.

I am wondering why I cant just cut the ends off some DEAD PSUs that have the SATA connectors on, snip the MOLEX connector on a good PSU and wire the SATA connector in its place? The only problem and question I have is what is the ORANGE wire for?

The adapters only have 4 wires, but all the SATA connectors i cut off old PSU's have 5 wires. They are adding an orange wire. IS this wire needed?

I hope this makes sense... I have attached pics to help clarify.

[mariushm]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

The orange cable in the SATA connector delivers 3.3v to devices. It's somewhat optional - lots of old power supplies didn't have sata at all, so people used basic molex to sata adapters which didn't have 3.3v, so most sata devices don't assume the 3.3v exists.

If you want, I guess you could pull a cable from the 24pin connector (not sure if it's orange in that one too, I think it is, you'll have to check).

Or you could use one of these:

http://search.digikey.com/us/en/prod...FTO-ND/1098463

to convert 5v you get through the red cable to 3.3v at the connector .... besides this you only need to use 10-22uF regular capacitors or two 1uF ceramic caps.

                        [ out  ] -----------------  [ +       ] -------- 3.3v
 
- 5v ----------[ +       ]----------- [ in   ]  IC        [ 1uf/ 10-22uf  ]
        [ C 1uf/10-22uf ] 
- gnd ---------[ -       ] ----------- [ gnd  ]------------------ [ -        ] --------- gnd

This IC would only be able to do about 250mA on 3.3v but it should be enough - any sane device would use 5v or 12v to generate 3.3v or whatever lower voltage it needs anyway.

[DTLMG]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

Thanks...I was just hoping I could snip the wires off and make something like this

http://www.satagear.com/SS-PW2MA2_SATA_Adapter.html

[mariushm]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

You can... as I said the SATA standard says there's a 3.3v line there but almost no sata device uses them. There are commercial adapters all over just like the one in the picture so it's not something that will go away, you can be sure most devices will work with only 5v and 12v in the future.

The only equipment I saw using 3.3v is Intel SSD drives, the 1.8" variant (for laptops). The versions for desktops (2.5" and 3.25") only use 5v.

[c_hegge]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

My approach involves some soldering. Since virtually all power supplies will have a few spare holes on the outputs, you can usually solder extra connectors onto the PCB

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

That I know of no current desktop drives use the 3.3v.
It was added to the spec 'for future use' and no one making desktop parts is using it.

You'll need some of these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110803528439
Keep in mind the pins in those connectors are rated for 10 amps max.
And, the thin wires cheap PSUs use [the ones that go into the PSU] are only good for about 5-6 amps each.
- So, if you have the thin feed wires it's not a grand idea to put more than 4 drives on one PSU drive feed.
The heavier wire can probably handle 6 drives okay but personally I'd limit it to 4 or 5 anyway.
[And note: Some Burners pull 2 amps or more on both 12v and 5v.]

You can also do what c_hegge suggested and run the wire all the way to the PCB.
It's a little more involved but it's not really any more work and it's more reliable than using more connections.
.
.

[severach]

Re: Can I modify my MOLEX Power Supply to accept SATA connectors?

My approach involves some soldering.

That's how I add 6 pin PCI Express connectors to Optiplex power supplies. Most supply boards are single sided so there's nothing wrong with drilling a few extra holes.