StarTech.com LP4SATAFM12 12in SATA to Molex LP4 Power Cable Adapter - 15-pin Male to 4-pin Female - 18 Gauge
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This power adapter implements a direct pin-to-pin conversion between SATA and Molex LP4 power standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of storage hardware. The 15-pin SATA male connector interfaces with standard SATA power outputs from modern power supplies, while the 4-pin Molex female connector accepts legacy LP4 power inputs commonly found on older hard drives and optical drives.
The 18-gauge copper conductors provide sufficient current capacity for typical hard drive power requirements, with the 12-inch length offering practical reach within most computer chassis configurations. The adapter maintains full electrical continuity between all necessary power rails (+12V, +5V, and ground) to ensure proper device operation without requiring additional power regulation.
Relevant factors for this section include First End Connector Type, First End Connector Detail, Second End Connector Type, Cord Length. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter enables hardware compatibility between modern SATA power supplies and legacy Molex LP4 devices, extending the usable lifespan of existing storage infrastructure. The direct conversion design eliminates the need for additional power regulation components, maintaining clean power delivery to connected devices.
Legacy Device Support
Enables continued use of Molex LP4 hard drives and optical drives with modern SATA power supplies, reducing hardware replacement costs.
- Supports older IDE/PATA drives
- Compatible with legacy optical drives
- Maintains existing storage investments
Reliable Power Delivery
18-gauge wiring ensures adequate current capacity for hard drive operation, with proper grounding and voltage rail distribution.
- Stable +12V and +5V delivery
- Minimal voltage drop
- Secure connector retention
Deployment / Use Cases
This SATA to Molex LP4 adapter serves multiple practical applications in both consumer and business IT environments. In desktop computer builds, it allows integration of legacy hard drives into modern systems where power supplies only offer SATA connectors, enabling data migration or expanded storage capacity without requiring drive replacement.
In server and data center contexts, the adapter facilitates maintenance of older storage arrays that utilize Molex LP4 connections, particularly in backup systems or archival storage where hardware refresh cycles may be extended. The 12-inch length provides sufficient reach for cable management within rack-mounted systems while maintaining clean airflow paths.
Desktop System Upgrades
Integrate legacy Molex LP4 hard drives into modern desktop computers with SATA-only power supplies for cost-effective storage expansion.
- Data migration from old drives
- Temporary storage expansion
- Testing legacy hardware
Server Maintenance
Maintain older storage arrays in server environments during phased hardware refresh cycles, preserving data accessibility.
- Backup system compatibility
- Archival storage access
- Legacy array maintenance
Physical Profile
The adapter features a compact 12-inch cable length that provides practical reach within computer cases while minimizing excess cable clutter. The 0.60-ounce weight ensures minimal strain on motherboard connectors, and the flexible cable construction allows for clean routing around system components. The molded connectors provide secure attachment to both SATA power outputs and Molex LP4 device inputs, with positive retention mechanisms preventing accidental disconnection during system operation.
- Weight
- 0.60 oz (17.01 g)
- Length
- 12" (304.80 mm)
Highlights
- Converts SATA power to Molex LP4 for legacy hard drives
- 15-pin SATA male to 4-pin Molex female connector configuration
- 12-inch cable length for flexible installation
- 18-gauge wiring for reliable power delivery
- Direct pin-to-pin conversion maintains proper voltage rails
- EU RoHS compliant for environmental safety
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability
- Supports hard drive power requirements specifically
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | LP4SATAFM12 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 12in SATA to Molex LP4 Power Cable Adapter - F/M |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Adapter Cord |
| Technical Information | |
| First End Connector Type | SATA |
| First End Connector Detail | 1 x 15-pin SATA Male |
| Second End Connector Type | Molex |
| Second End Connector Detail | 1 x 4-pin Molex Female |
| Device Supported | Hard Drive |
| Gauge | 18 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Cord Length | 12" (304.80 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.60 oz (17.01 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What devices does this SATA to Molex LP4 adapter support?
This adapter specifically supports hard drives and other storage devices that require Molex LP4 power connections. It converts the 15-pin SATA power output from modern power supplies to the 4-pin Molex female input found on legacy IDE/PATA hard drives and some optical drives. The direct pin conversion maintains proper +12V, +5V, and ground connections for reliable device operation.
What is the cable length and why is 12 inches practical?
The adapter features a 12-inch (304.80 mm) cable length that provides sufficient reach for most computer case configurations while minimizing excess cable clutter. This length allows flexible routing around system components, accommodates various drive bay locations, and maintains clean airflow paths within the chassis. The compact design is particularly useful in smaller form factor cases where space optimization is important.
What gauge wire does this adapter use and why does it matter?
This adapter uses 18-gauge wiring, which provides adequate current carrying capacity for typical hard drive power requirements. The 18 AWG specification ensures minimal voltage drop across the 12-inch length while maintaining stable power delivery to connected devices. Proper wire gauge is essential for preventing power-related issues such as drive instability or data corruption during operation.
Does this adapter require any additional power regulation?
No additional power regulation is required. The adapter implements a direct pin-to-pin conversion that maintains the proper voltage rails (+12V and +5V) from the SATA power source to the Molex LP4 device. All necessary grounding connections are preserved, and the 18-gauge wiring provides sufficient current capacity without requiring intermediate voltage regulation components.
What environmental certifications does this product have?
This adapter is EU RoHS compliant and meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2 standards, Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) requirements, and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) guidelines. These certifications ensure the product minimizes environmental impact through restricted substance compliance and proper end-of-life disposal considerations.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this adapter?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime limited warranty for this SATA to Molex LP4 power cable adapter. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the product's usable lifespan, offering long-term reliability assurance for both consumer and business deployments. The warranty reflects the product's durable construction and reliable performance in power conversion applications.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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