CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareEasy
A technician is installing a new hard drive into a desktop computer. The drive has a typical 15-pin power connector. Which type of power connector from the power supply unit (PSU) should the technician use to power this drive?
- ASATA power connector
- BEPS12V connector
- CPCIe power connector
- DMolex connector
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. SATA power connector
Modern hard drives (SATA drives) use a 15-pin SATA power connector, which supplies 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. The Molex connector is an older 4-pin connector primarily for IDE drives and some peripherals.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. EPS12V connectors (8-pin) are used to provide dedicated power to the CPU.
- C. PCIe power connectors (6 or 8-pin) are used for graphics cards.
- D. Molex connectors are 4-pin and used for older IDE drives or case fans, not modern hard drives.
SATA Power Connector
A 15-pin flat power connector used to supply power to SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) devices like hard drives and SSDs.
- Provides 3.3V, 5V, and 12V to the device.
- Replaced the older 4-pin Molex connector for storage devices.
- Designed with an L-shaped key to prevent incorrect insertion.
Memory trick: PSU connectors are 'M.S.P.E.' - Molex, SATA, PCIe, EPS.