Powering old graphics cards via the IDE/SATA labeled connectors of a modern PSU? \ VOGONS

Powering old graphics cards via the IDE/SATA labeled connectors of a modern PSU?

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First post, by Der Kuenringer

Posted on 2020-09-28, 17:36

Der Kuenringer Offline

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I want to use a modern PSU with a Win9x build. I intend to use Molex adapters on the SATA/IDE labeled 6pin connectors of the PSU, in order to power the (5v heavy) graphics card.
Overall, the PSU has enough juice on the 5V rail for my needs, but I'm wondering if enough of it will be present on these particular connectors. Will I get the required 12V & 5V levels with every possible connector, as long as 12V & 5V are present on them to start with, or is there some limit to what I can access specifically on an IDE/SATA labeled one?

Reply 1 of 5, by zyga64

Posted on 2020-09-28, 17:51

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There are PSUs with 2 separate 12V lines, but as far as I know all 5V wires in PSU comes from the same point on PCB.
This was the case with all the power supplies I have seen so far.

S0 answer is Yes - you can get it from whatever you want (as long as there are enough pipes to deliver fuel 😀
The thicker the wire, or the more there are, the more current you can deliver.

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Reply 2 of 5, by adalbert

Posted on 2020-09-28, 17:53

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If you are adapting SATA connectors: each SATA pin should be rated for 1.5A, 3x5V pins =4.5A (22.5W), 3x12V =4.5A (54W). But total current should not exceed 7.5A (there are only 5 ground pins). If PSU has standard Molex connectors they should provide more amps.

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Reply 3 of 5, by cyclone3d

Posted on 2020-09-28, 20:41

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I would not trust the SATA power connectors one bit. They are a crappy design in the first place and if you get a poor connection you can end up melting the connector, especially using it on a higher load.

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Reply 4 of 5, by Der Kuenringer

Posted on 2020-09-29, 02:32

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Sorry, that might have been a bit misleading on my part. I was refering to the 6pin "IDE/SATA" labeled connectors on the PSU itself, the plan wasn't to use actual SATA power cables. Just PSU 6pin /w 5V -> Molex.

Thanks @zyga64, that was the answer I was looking for!

Reply 5 of 5, by dionb

Posted on 2020-09-29, 07:21

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Der Kuenringer wrote on 2020-09-29, 02:32:
Sorry, that might have been a bit misleading on my part. I was refering to the 6pin "IDE/SATA" labeled connectors on the PSU its […]
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Sorry, that might have been a bit misleading on my part. I was refering to the 6pin "IDE/SATA" labeled connectors on the PSU itself, the plan wasn't to use actual SATA power cables. Just PSU 6pin /w 5V -> Molex.

Thanks @zyga64, that was the answer I was looking for!

That's a proprietary set of connectors for whatever modular PSU you have. If the connections are good and the Molex standard, the output will be as good as whatever the PSU is capable of delivering.

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