Ask HN: Can I use another PSU to power a HDD?
3 comments
Yes, but you shouldn't. Also, adapters are a couple bucks on Monoprice.
Also, a "tempermental" PSU may need to be replaced before it does destructive testing of the components connected to it.
Also, a "tempermental" PSU may need to be replaced before it does destructive testing of the components connected to it.
I'm in the UK, and it's something that needs to be done today, I don't have time to order adapters. Also, like I said, I use the molex PSU, which is fine. The SATA is tempermental, hence why I'm not using it.
Yes, you can.
Ideally they'll share the same chassis ground (connect the metal cases together), but it's not strictly necessary (based on personal experience).
Ideally they'll share the same chassis ground (connect the metal cases together), but it's not strictly necessary (based on personal experience).
I guess it could be done, but is our PSU beefy enough to power a couple of HDD's?
800W PSUs. Would it actually power the drive without being directly into the mobo first?
You wouldn't be able to plug in the 24pin ATX connector to the mobo, which is how the PSU gets the signal to turn on. It is a simple bridge of two ports (google for 24pin atx bridge on), which will leave your PSU on all the time, if it has a switch on the back that will make for easy on/off switching.
However, as said above, adapters are much simpler :)
However, as said above, adapters are much simpler :)
I need attach a few hard drives from another machine which are SATA and my question is, while the computer is powered from molex, can I also plug my SATA PSU into the hard drive, with a SATA cable to my motherboard, and power it that way? Sorry if it doesn't make much sense, I'm rushing and a bit stressed (kids)