Query about SATA power cables

[sandeepk]

I recently purchased a new budget computer. I only purchased the new CPU and motherboard with new tower including power supply. Other things I am using are from my old computer. New computer has AMD X2 5200+ CPU and M2A-VM motherboard which has 4 SATA and 1 PATA connectors. But the power supply (Circle brand) has only 1 SATA power cable. Others are all PATA power cables. I asked the dealer why this is the case then he said I need to buy a SATA power cable extension. Is what he said is true? Why only one SATA power cable? I already have a old computer with 160 GB HDD and a LG DVD writer which are under warranty. So I want to use them now with new computer as I am not going to sell my old computer and use it for experimentation purpose. Is it advisable to use HDD and DVD writer as master and slave on single PATA connector for my new computer?? Should I purchase at least one of the SATA version?

[sandeepk]

There is nobody who knows about this? I am very much unfamiliar with SATA. So please guide me for this.

[Charan]

Yea you have to buy a SATA power cable.. only high end SMPS comes with fixed SATA power pins.. Each cable will cost you about 25 bucks.

[Gigacore]

^ The local one costs 20 Rs... but dont go for it! ..... my friend bought one and it burnt!

[infra_red_dude]

IMHO there was no need to change the power interface on SATA disks. I dunno what led the manufacturers do it. Hafing all those "adaptors" looks ugly in the cabinet!

Get the power connectors for about Rs.30. Good quality ones can be identified by feeling the connectors. They feel strong and rigid.

[Charan]

^^^ Actually I think its for hot swapping the drives.. AFAIK SATA drives supports hot swapping

conventional power connectors wont enable hotswapping

[Nav11aug]

and all the cribbing about the traditional power cables. They really sucked. For one, it woudn't detach from the drive

[sandeepk]

Where I need to attach them? To the existing PATA connector? Or directly to SMPS? My dealer will help me with this but still better to know from you guys..

[Charan]

look at this picture and I guess you will understand it

[sandeepk]

@charan
thanks.

[Faun]

Originally Posted by Charan

Yea you have to buy a SATA power cable.. only high end SMPS comes with fixed SATA power pins.. Each cable will cost you about 25 bucks.

for that u hav e-SATA port.

[sandeepk]

^^ What do you mean by that?

[Faun]

Originally Posted by sandeepk

^^ What do you mean by that?

better go through this article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

[Nav11aug]

[sandeepk]

@T159
I now know the details about SATA. But eSATA does not provide power similar to USB. So what does your comment means?