SATA Power plugs?

[Stonejaw]

I just bought a new WD 160GB SATA drive and I noticed that is has both the regular molex plus the new SATA power adapter, do you need to have both plugged in or with just the SATA one be fine. My HD did not come with a manual as I bought it OEM. Any info would be great.

Thanks

 

[Starpoe2]

A normal legacy molex would be fine.

 

[xonik]

Whatever you do, don't plug in power to both connectors at the same time.

 

[Impact9]

I don't -think- it would damage anything. At least who ever designed it should be smart enough to understand someone will power both plugs. Anyone know any horror stories to prove otherwise?

 

[xonik]

Never assume that the manufacturer has installed proper precautions...

http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc...D0yMDgmcF9jYXRfbHZsMT0xMjMmcF9wYWdlPTM*&p_li=

Attach the power supply cable:

If your system does not support hot plugging (check with your system manufacturer), it must be turned off and unplugged before installing the drive. To supply power to the drive you may use either the SATA power connector or the legacy ATA-4-pin power connector on the back of the drive (see image below).

Important: Do not connect both the SATA and the legacy ATA power cable to the drive at the same time. This may result in damage to the drive.

http://maxtor.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/...XJpYWwgYXRhIGluc3RhbGxhdGlvbiBwb3dlcg**&p_li=

Problem:
On the back of my SATA drive I have two power connections, a 15 pin power connector and a 4 pin standard connector. I do not know which one to use.

Solution:
You can use either the 15 pin connector or the standard 4 pin connector, but NOT both. The drive will not function if both power connectors are used.

http://www.hitachigst.com/tech/tech...B03FE80A86256D3D0054DE09/$file/D7K250S_ig.pdf

WARNING

Do not use both power connections at the same time. Doing so will result in drive failure.

etc., etc.