Hard Drive Connection to MB

jamo2oo9

So I've bought a hard drive which I need for backing up my files. It's a small 160GB internal hard drive. The thing is, I'm new to upgrading or adding in hard drives. I've looked inside my computer and I can see that I need a connector pin between it and the motherboard. The connector seems to be similar in appearance but I don't know what type of SATA connector it uses and where could I find it. Maplin isn't too clear.
Here's the link of what I've bought on eBay
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/261201934399?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_500wt_1414

I also ordered another hard drive, 1TB internal as I am rapidly using up all of my storage on the current 500GB hard drive. I don't know what type of connector pin it uses either. Here's the link to it too, http://www.adverts.ie/3102655

Lu Tze

They are both sata connections on those drives, should look like this

You will need some sata power cables available from your psu (also pictured, cable on the left) and some sata data cables to connect ot the motherboard which should have identical ports. What motherboard do you have?

jamo2oo9

Okay, what are those cables called and where could I find them for sale? I have a ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5G41T-M LX2/GB. That's a name given on the box but my CPU-ID says Intel G41

tuxy

There should already be a few extra sata power cables comeing from your psu to supply power to the drive.
Like the blacks ones in this image
http://new.gimcomputers.com/images/4-link-sata-power-supply-cable-for-hdd-4-link-sata-power-.jpg

You want a sata data cable to connect the drive to your motherboard
http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Right-Angle-Serial-Cable/dp/B0001Y8UI4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368915892&sr=8-2&keywords=sata+cable

jamo2oo9

I don't have any extra sata power cables. There's only one and that's already used. That is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the reply! Where does the other end of the SATA power cable go into? I know it would be going into the PSU but my PSU is blocked off and has only one hole for the cables to run through. Do I have to physically open the PSU to connect it?

tuxy

It must be a really low end PSU, normally there are more of those things than you will ever need. Definitely don't open it up, you can not connect a hdd that way.

Is there one of these connections?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-fy6Ddzpms/TbfnuBeRkmI/AAAAAAAAAmc/_2XFf9AmSYA/s1600/molex+connetor.jpg

jamo2oo9

tuxy wrote: »

It must be a really low end PSU, normally there are more of those things than you will ever need. Definitely don't open it up, you can not connect a hdd that way.

Is there one of these connections?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-fy6Ddzpms/TbfnuBeRkmI/AAAAAAAAAmc/_2XFf9AmSYA/s1600/molex+connetor.jpg

Yeah, it has two but it's black. I don't know if the colour makes a difference?

tuxy

jamo2oo9 wrote: »

Yeah, it has two but it's black. I don't know if the colour makes a difference?

No colour does not matter.
You need one of these to supply power
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Molex-to-2-SATA-Internal-Power-Splitter-Cable/dp/B0002GRUV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368989431&sr=8-1&keywords=molex+to+sata
That will power up to two hard drives.

And these that I already linked to for the data connection
http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Right-Angle-Serial-Cable/dp/B0001Y8UI4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368915892&sr=8-2&keywords=sata+cable

jamo2oo9

That's perfect! Thanks for the help. I did a bit of snooping around and I found this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wired--Up-SATA-Power-Adapter-Cable/dp/B000ITL1PG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368978302&sr=8-1&keywords=sata+power+cable+adapter
I was wondering is that the same thing that you've linked above?

tuxy

Yeah that package includes both the power and data cables you need.

You could get 2 of those kits if you need to connect 2 drives since you have 2 free molex connectors coming from your psu.

jamo2oo9

Yeah, I have an extra one right now and another on it's way. Thanks for the help!

Lu Tze

jamo2oo9 wrote: »

Yeah, it has two but it's black. I don't know if the colour makes a difference?

Post a pic of the inside of your case, showing the psu.

tuxy

Lu Tze wrote: »

Post a pic of the inside of your case, showing the psu.

Why? Molex connectors sometimes come in black but are the exact same connection as the white ones.

Lu Tze

tuxy wrote: »

Why? Molex connectors sometimes come in black but are the exact same connection as the white ones.

I quotes the wrong thing, i was more interested in the cables coming out of a hole, thought spare cables might be tucked behind a plate in the case or something!

tuxy

Lu Tze wrote: »

I quotes the wrong thing, i was more interested in the cables coming out of a hole, thought spare cables might be tucked behind a plate in the case or something!

Good point, only a single sata power connection would be unusual on a PSU

jamo2oo9

Okay here's the pics of the PC and the cables that are tied up together

I hate to say it, but that looks like a rubbish PSU. I seriously doubt it could handle 700W.

tuxy

Karsini wrote: »

I hate to say it, but that looks like a rubbish PSU. I seriously doubt it could handle 700W.

Yes it is a very low quality psu but it looks like it won't need to output more than 250 watt in that system even with extra hard drives.

jamo2oo9

I have been told that. It was part of the unit when I bought it from CustomPC.ie and honestly, I won't be buying from them again. Do I need to buy a new PSU or what?

tuxy

jamo2oo9 wrote: »

I have been told that. It was part of the unit when I bought it from CustomPC.ie and honestly, I won't be buying from them again. Do I need to buy a new PSU or what?

No, although it won't output the power it says it's rated for your spec PC uses very little power.
This is the spec for the PSU

http://www.computerplanet.co.uk/components/products/700w-storm-lpk19-35-,120mm-silent-fan,-20+4pin-m-b;-4-pin-+12v-psu-atx-2.2-2074627.html

Only 2 sata power connection so you will need those molex adapters

jamo2oo9

There's three. One's been used and that leaves me with two to use which is all I need really as I have one on it's way and another beside me.

tuxy

jamo2oo9 wrote: »

There's three. One's been used and that leaves me with two to use which is all I need really as I have one on it's way and another beside me.

Yes I know you have 2 out 2 sata power connections that are in us and 1 out of 3 molex connections in use. So you need the adapter in that kit you posted earlier to convert the molex power not in use into sata power.