Installing IDE drive in SATA PC problem

mike65

Got a DELL Inspiron PC and an old ATA drive see pix below, I bought an adatper kit but it has the wrong power connector so I can't chain it with the DELL HD

Sata connector


Kit connector


IDE


The data plugs/leads are correct


So what do I need and where can I get it?

Mike.

dazberry

It looks like all you now need to do is connect a 4 pin female power connector to the hard drive and it should all be fine... or am I missing something ?

D.

awhir

look at ur psu you should see a femal molex connector.

edit:dazbeery said it before me

mike65

The Dell does'nt have any molex connectors!, just those 15 pin plugs. One from the HD and one from the DVD. Also that 2 pin male plug in the first pic can't go anywhere. I need something to chain the Dell drive and the ATA IDE drive.

Mike.

PogMoThoin

Should b molex goin 2 your ide, get a molex extension like this

Got bout 10 of them lyin round ere

mike65

Whatever I buy it needs to mate with a 15 pin SATA plug there is nowhere for a molex to directly plug in to. That pic above seems top be molex at both ends.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/ProductImageCompressAll200/12-123-120-02.jpg

Mike.

dazberry

Ah yes now I see, pics confused me slightly.

Right, you need two 4 pin molex connections (or one and a splitter) as PogMoThoin detailed, one for the HDD and one for the little adapter board - sure you figured all that out yourself.

But if there are no (:eek:) 4 pin molex connections out of your power supply, then I think you're a bit stuffed - I've never seen an SATA power to 4 pin adapter (in that direction) before, only the other way?

The only quick and dirty method is to buy an external USB -> PATA drive caddy, and put the drive in there.

D.

PogMoThoin

Has 2 b molex from psu 2 ide drive, just split off dat

Edit: is your ide dvd drive powered by a sata power connector?

mike65

No molex! see pic,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/mike65/Dsc02161.jpg

Just two 15 pins connectors, why can't I daisy-chain off the HD using the device linked to in the post above?

Mike.

dazberry

:eek: I think you're stuffed so
Another reason why I'll never buy Dell.

I see there is a spare 3 1/2" fdd power connector, you could rewire it into a large 4 pin molex (I don't know if there are adaptors for this) - I'd guess it would be a bit of a modding job...

D.

mike65

If your right then I'll have to buy a crossover cable to transfer files over I think.

Mike.

byte

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=60_164&products_id=20580
Above link converts SATA to Molex. Unfortunately, it's a US site, not sure if they ship here. Just the item you need does exist!

Alkers

Can you get an enclosure and connect the IDE drive via USB?

mike65

Lateral thinking. I'll see whats availible

Mike.

Alkers

I have one for sale on Adverts
You're welcome to borrow it if you just need it for a once off.

mike65

I'll pass, as I'm in Waterford the price + the postage would be more than I can buy one for locally.

But its a good idea so thanks for that!

Mike.

mike65

Bought myself a HDD enclosure today from PC World for 40 euro, worked a treat transfering stuff from 3 drives over to my new PC. Happy

Mike.