Also known as a Molex power connector (pictured), it connects your computer power supply to drives and devices inside the computer.
Does my PC need a molex?
No current hardware requires one except for some extremely cheap fans, since any half decent fan will require a fan connector instead to provide RPM feedback to the motherboard.
Where does molex plug into?
It plugs into PERIF1.
What is the purpose of a molex connection?
Certain Molex connectors are used for providing power to the motherboard, fans, floppy disk drive, CD/DVD drive, video card, some older hard drive models, and more. Compatible connectors are available from many manufacturers, not just Molex and AMP.
What is a molex power connector?
Often refers to the 4-pin connectors used to attach DC power to the drives inside a PC cabinet. Molex is a large manufacturer of electronics plugs and sockets that dates back to the 1940s.
What devices use Molex?
Disc drive (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray.)
How much power can a Molex handle?
The ATX standard for SATA or Molex connections is rated for 54 watts. Each SATA/Molex connector provides three 12v pins at 1.5 amps each, for a total of 4.5 amps. 12 volts, times 4.5 amps, equals 54 watts able to be provided by a SATA/Molex connector.
Why is it called Molex?
History. Molex was established in 1938 by Frederick Krehbiel. The company began by making flowerpots out of an industrial byproduct plastic called Molex. Krehbiel developed this material by combining asbestos tailings, coal tar pitch, and limestone.
Can you power Molex with USB?
Strength and Compatibility
The Molex SuperSpeed USB Type-C receptacles and plugs possess high mechanical strength for superior durability. They are compatible with power delivery, reversible USB Type-C chargers and ports, and the alt modes, that allow the transmission of technologies like DisplayPort and Thunderbolt.
Do all power supplies come with Molex?
Standard for any device, the power supply comes complete with a single 4-pin molex connector. This adapter will protect your valuable electronics against those pesky spikes and dips in power.
Which is better Molex or SATA?
When you’re installing a new SSD or HDD drive, there are two primary types of connection: molex and SATA. Molex connections have four large pins, which are shaped similar to the ground prong on an AC cord. SATA connections, on the other hand, have a flat, 15-pin design that looks much more advanced.
What are the 3 types of connectors?
Electrical connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends: board-to-board connectors, cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors, and cable/wire-to-board connectors.
Are Molex connectors safe?
Molex to SATA adapter cables are a very simple and cost-effective alternative to buying a new power supply. However, they can be a dangerous alternative to getting a quality power supply, potentially damaging your SSD, internal components, and may also pose a fire risk in your home.
Do all motherboards have Molex?
The connector commonly referred to as a molex is not found on any motherboards I have seen. It is the power connector used for IDE hard drives and optical drives.
Can you run a GPU without all power connectors?
Almost certainly not. Some systems will straight up refuse to boot and display a message telling you to plug in all the power connectors, and even if you can get the PC to the desktop it will probably crash as soon as you do something that puts load on the GPU. That’s a notoriously power-hungry card, too.
Can I cut off the Molex on a fan?
No. The fan is wired so that it can take power either from the 3/4-pin motherboard header, or from the 4 pin molex. Thus the power from the 3/4-pin and molex are running parallel to one another. If you snip that wire and it shorts, you are essentially shorting the same power terminals leading to your motherboard.
Can GPU run without power connector?
Your graphics card will not run unless you connect it to a PSU. Most gaming-grade graphics cards require additional power connectors. … Your graphics card will not work correctly without the correct power supply. In fact, if you do not connect those PCI-E power cables, your PC may not boot.
Can you power a GPU with 1 cable?
You can use a single cable’s multiple power connectors without fear of harm to your graphics card or tanking its performance. It’s usually fine.
Can I power my GPU with CPU cable?
No, that is not possible. GPU power connectors have different hole shapes. No type of connector can be physically plugged into the GPU other than a GPU power connector. Here is an example of a 8-pin GPU connector compared to the CPU 8-pin connector.