What Is SATA 15-Pin Power Connector?

The SATA 15-Pin Power Connector is a standard peripheral power connector used to supply power to internal SATA (Serial ATA) hardware such as hard drives and optical drives within a computer. This connector has a pinout with 15 pins and is designed to adhere to the ATX Specification for power supply voltages, which must be within specified tolerances. The connector is intended to reside inside the computer case and is distinct from SATA data cables, which can also connect to external SATA devices.

Key aspects of the SATA 15-Pin Power Connector include:

• Pinout: The pinout consists of 15 pins, with two sets of +3.3VDC pins (orange) and a +5VDC pin (orange) for a total of three +3.3VDC and one +5VDC power rails.
• Compatibility: SATA power cables are not compatible with Parallel ATA (PATA) devices, and some power supplies may only have 4-pin Molex power supply connectors, requiring adapters for SATA devices.
• Modularity: Power supplies can be modular, where SATA power cables are not pre-attached, and users may need to purchase additional cables or adapters.
• Extension Cables: SATA power extension cables are available in various lengths to accommodate different cable management needs.
• Adapters: Adapters like Molex-to-SATA adapters allow connecting SATA devices using existing Molex power connections.

These connectors are essential for supplying power to modern storage and optical drive components within personal computers.