Hi guys, this is my first post since joining this forum in my attempt to build a computer with out any former knowledge of these puzzling machines, to date your threads have been useful, although I do struggle with some abreviations. My equipment so far comprises of, Cooler Master Black Stacker 830 Mother Board Abit AB9 iP965 SKT LGA775 - ATA-300 8-channel audio ATX CPU Core 2 duo E6400 2.13ghz - SKT 775 - fSB 1006 2mb cashe boxed PSU Cooler Master Real Power 550w SLi My question is, from the PSU there are 3 bunches of cables, 2no 4 core, 1no 5core, each with 3no connectors wired in series, what are these for, are they for hard drives or are these powered by the mother board. Any clues would be helpful
The 4 pin molex shown Here are connectors are used for Hard Drives, Optical Drives and some Video Cards. The flat black connector shown Here is also used for hard drives, but only for newer SATA drives. This connector adds additional power options that Molex can't deliver. The long 20 or 24 pin connector shown Here is used to power your motherboard. The 4 or 8 pin square connector shown Here and Here is also for connectong to your motherboard, but this powers your CPU. EPS 8 pin connectors can deliver more power due to the additional pins. And lastly, the 6 pin connector show Here is for connecting to a power hungry video card. Unless you have a really beefy video card, these will not be used. All of these connectors only plug in one way, so there is no worries about screwing up the installation.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunatly your pictures do not match those that I'm concerned with. I see as follows; If you have any further thourghts they would be appriciated.
Unfortunately, i can't see your first picture, but the second and third picture confirms that they are a Molex 4 pin and SATA connector respectively. The molex connector looks different as it's an Easy Grip plug, meaning you just squeeze the tabs and the plug releases. Much easier than standard molex design.
Pelvis You will no doubt have guessed that I had some help with the last offering, I did what all crinklies do in these circumstances, ask a child. Your description of the SATA connection solved one problem, but I enclosed hopefully a better photo showing the 3no molex connectors which are wired in series and has a tiny white 4 pin connector on the end, it is this which is confusing me. :doh: I appreciate your time but have you any further thoughts?
I'm sorry for the confusion papa m. The little white connector is a Floppy Drive plug. Now considered a legacy option and arguably very much out of date, floppy drives can be an invaluable tool.
