SATA and Molex power cables are the internal leads that feed power to hard drives, SSDs, optical drives, fans and cooling pumps inside a PC. Our range covers SATA power extensions, splitters, Molex adapters and 5.25" converters, from brands such as GEMBIRD, LENOVO, AKASA and INLINE.
They suit anyone adding drives, replacing a damaged lead or tidying a build.
How to choose SATA and Molex power cables
Connector type. Check both ends before ordering. SATA power uses a flat 15-pin connector, while Molex is the older four-pin plug, and some cables in our range convert between them or end in 2xSATA or a 5.25" connector. Match the plug on your power supply to the plug on the device.
Cable length. Short leads suit adapters and tight spaces. Lengths in our range include 0.06 m and 0.15 m, which is enough to bridge a connector or reach a neighbouring drive bay. For a drive at the far end of a large case, look for a longer extension instead.
Compatibility with your power supply. Modular power supplies use cables whose pinouts can differ between manufacturers, so a cable from one brand should not be assumed to work with another. If you are replacing a modular lead, choose one made for your exact power supply series. Standard SATA and Molex adapters are not affected by this.
Build quality. Moulded connectors and proper wire gauge matter more on adapters, because they carry the full load of a drive. Sleeving keeps cables tidy and is mostly a question of appearance and airflow. Some cables in our range come in multicolour sleeving, which is useful if you want the leads to show through a side window.
Number of devices. A splitter that turns one connector into two helps when your power supply runs out of SATA plugs. Avoid chaining many drives from a single cable, since each connector shares the same lead.
SATA and Molex power cable brands we carry
- GEMBIRD: a maker of affordable cables, adapters and computer accessories, with a lot of simple internal power adapters.
- LENOVO: a PC manufacturer whose replacement internal cables are generally made for its own desktops and workstations, so check the model before buying.
- AKASA: known for PC cooling and small accessories, including cables and adapters for fans and drives.
- INLINE: a German brand of cables and connectivity accessories for computers and audio-video equipment.
- CORSAIR: known for power supplies and sleeved modular cables, including replacement sets designed for its own PSU ranges.
- EK Water Blocks: a Slovenian liquid cooling specialist, whose cables are aimed at pumps and other loop components.
- Kolink: makes PC cases and power supplies, and its cables are intended for builds with those parts.
- SilverStone: known for power supplies and cases, including compact builds where cable length and routing are tight.
SATA and Molex power cables: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a SATA power cable and a Molex cable?
A SATA power cable has a flat 15-pin connector and supplies 3.3 V, 5 V and 12 V. A Molex cable has a larger four-pin plug and supplies 5 V and 12 V only. Most modern drives use SATA power, while Molex is found on older drives, fans and some accessories.
Can I power an SSD or hard drive from a Molex connector?
Yes, with a Molex to SATA adapter. Use a well-made adapter with moulded connectors, since a poor one can overheat under load. If your power supply has spare SATA plugs, use those instead.
Can I use a modular power supply cable from a different brand?
Not safely as a rule. Pinouts on the power supply side vary between manufacturers and sometimes between series from the same maker. Buy a cable made for your specific power supply model to avoid damaging components.
What length of SATA power cable do I need?
Measure the route from the power supply connector to the drive, then add a little slack. Short leads of 0.06 m to 0.15 m work as adapters or short extensions. A drive in a distant bay needs a longer cable.
