CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareEasy
A technician is installing a new 2.5-inch SATA SSD into a desktop computer. Which type of power connector is required to provide power to this drive?
- A6-pin PCIe
- B8-pin EPS
- CSATA power
- D4-pin Molex
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. SATA power
SATA drives, whether SSDs or HDDs, use a specific 15-pin SATA power connector to receive power from the power supply unit. This connector is distinct from older Molex connectors or PCIe/EPS connectors used for graphics cards and CPUs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 6-pin PCIe connectors provide supplemental power to graphics cards, not storage drives.
- B. 8-pin EPS connectors provide power to the CPU, not storage drives.
- D. 4-pin Molex is an older power connector primarily used for IDE drives and some peripherals, not modern SATA SSDs.
SATA Power Connector
A 15-pin flat connector that provides power from the PSU to SATA-based storage devices like hard drives and SSDs.
- Supplies 3.3V, 5V, and 12V to the drive.
- Distinguished by its L-shaped design.
- Replaced the older 4-pin Molex connector for storage devices.
Memory trick: Power Supply Unites Many Parts Systematically.