CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareEasy
A technician is installing a new 2.5-inch Solid State Drive (SSD) into a desktop computer. The SSD uses a standard SATA interface. Which of the following power connectors is REQUIRED to power this SSD?
- A8-pin EPS12V connector
- B4-pin Molex connector
- C15-pin SATA power connector
- D6-pin PCIe connector
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 15-pin SATA power connector
SATA drives, including 2.5-inch SSDs, use the 15-pin SATA power connector to receive power from the power supply unit. This connector provides 3.3V, 5V, and 12V lines.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 8-pin EPS12V connectors provide power to the CPU on motherboards, not storage drives.
- B. 4-pin Molex connectors are older and primarily used for IDE drives or case fans, not SATA SSDs.
- D. 6-pin PCIe connectors are used to provide supplementary power to graphics cards.
SATA Power Connector
A 15-pin flat connector used to provide electrical power to SATA hard drives and SSDs from a power supply unit.
- 15 pins.
- Supplies 3.3V, 5V, and 12V.
- Standard for all SATA devices.
Memory trick: Power for SATA? Think 15 pins, flat and neat, for your drive's electrical treat.