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Product Features
Technical Overview
This splitter cable features a standardized LP4 (also known as Molex) connector ecosystem, with a 4-pin male plug on one end and two 4-pin female sockets on the other. Each connector follows the industry-standard pinout for +5V, +12V, and ground lines, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of IDE hard drives and optical drives. The 9.1-inch cord length offers practical reach within typical mid-tower and full-tower cases, minimizing cable clutter while maintaining flexibility for drive placement.
Constructed from 18 AWG stranded copper wire with PVC insulation, the cable supports continuous current up to 11A per pin, sufficient for most 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch drive loads. The molded strain relief at each connector junction enhances durability against repeated insertions and mechanical stress. Weighing just 0.80 ounces, it adds negligible mass to system builds, and its slim profile allows routing alongside data cables without obstruction.
Key Product Advantages
The PYO2L splitter cable simplifies power management in systems where available LP4 connectors are limited. By converting one connection into two, it eliminates the need for additional power supply upgrades or adapters, reducing both cost and complexity. The precise engineering ensures stable voltage delivery across both outputs, preventing under-powering that can lead to drive instability or failure.
Enhanced Compatibility
Works with all standard IDE hard drives and CD/DVD-ROM drives that use 4-pin LP4 power connectors, making it a versatile tool for legacy system maintenance and expansion.
- Supports 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch drives
- No driver or software required
Durable Construction
Built with high-quality materials and molded strain relief to withstand repeated use in professional IT environments and DIY projects.
- 18 AWG copper conductors
- PVC insulation for heat resistance
Deployment / Use Cases
This splitter cable is primarily deployed in desktop computers, workstations, and servers that still rely on IDE/PATA storage interfaces. It is especially useful in systems with multiple drives—such as RAID arrays, media servers, or legacy gaming rigs—where the power supply may have insufficient native LP4 connectors. IT departments often stock these cables for quick repairs or upgrades when adding secondary drives without replacing entire power units.
Common scenarios include expanding storage in older office PCs, retrofitting optical drives in custom builds, or maintaining legacy equipment in industrial and educational settings. The cable also serves as a troubleshooting tool, allowing technicians to test drive functionality by sharing power from a known-good source. Its simplicity and reliability make it a staple in any toolkit focused on backward compatibility and cost-effective solutions.
Physical Profile
The cable measures 9.1 inches (230.12 mm) from end to end, providing enough length to route cleanly within standard ATX cases while avoiding excess slack. Its lightweight design at 0.80 ounces (22.68 grams) ensures minimal impact on cable management systems, and the flexible PVC jacket allows easy bending around corners or through grommets. The black color blends discreetly with most internal components, maintaining a professional appearance in visible builds.
- Weight
- 0.80 oz (22.68 g)
- Length
- 9.1" (230.12 mm)
Highlights
- Splits one 4-pin LP4 male to two 4-pin LP4 female connectors
- Compatible with IDE hard drives and CD/DVD-ROM drives
- 9.1-inch cord length for flexible internal routing
- Lightweight at 0.80 ounces for easy installation
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmental safety
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability
- Made with 18 AWG copper wire for stable power delivery
- Ideal for legacy system upgrades and repairs
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PYO2L |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Model | PYO2L |
| Product Name | LP4 to 2x LP4 Power Y Splitter Cable M/F |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Splitter Cord |
| Technical Information | |
| First End Connector Type | LP4 |
| First End Connector Detail | 1 x 4-pin LP4 Male |
| Second End Connector Type | LP4 |
| Second End Connector Detail | 2 x 4-pin LP4 Female |
| Device Supported | Disk Drive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Cord Length | 9.1" (230.12 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.80 oz (22.68 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Hard Drives CD/DVD-ROM Drives |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What devices are compatible with this LP4 splitter cable?
This cable is compatible with any device that uses a standard 4-pin LP4 (Molex) power connector, including IDE/PATA hard drives and CD/DVD-ROM drives. It is designed for legacy storage systems and is not suitable for SATA drives or modern components that require different connector types.
What is the length of the cable, and is it sufficient for most cases?
The cable is 9.1 inches (230.12 mm) long, which provides adequate reach for routing within typical mid-tower and full-tower computer cases. This length allows flexible placement of drives while minimizing excess cable clutter, making it suitable for most desktop and server builds without requiring extensions.
Does this splitter cable support powering two drives simultaneously?
Yes, the splitter cable allows you to power two compatible drives simultaneously from a single LP4 power supply connector. It is engineered to deliver stable voltage to both outputs, but users should ensure the power supply can handle the combined load of both drives to avoid overcurrent issues.
What environmental standards does this cable meet?
This cable complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) standards. These regulations ensure the product is free from harmful materials like lead and mercury, and it is designed for responsible disposal or recycling at end-of-life.
What warranty is provided with the StarTech.com PYO2L splitter cable?
StarTech.com offers a lifetime limited warranty on this splitter cable, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the product's usable life. This warranty provides long-term assurance for professional and personal use, reflecting the brand's confidence in its durability and performance.
Can this cable be used in rack-mounted servers or other enterprise environments?
While primarily designed for desktop and workstation use, this cable can be used in rack-mounted servers that still utilize IDE drives and have accessible LP4 power connectors. Its compact size and lightweight design make it suitable for tight spaces, but users should verify compatibility with specific server chassis and power supply configurations.