2007-03-17 01:49:52 · 4 answers · asked by menana 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
One is for a regular cable connection.
The other (15 pin) is to facilitate hot swapping via a direct connection in a multi-drive bay. This connection is designed not to be as "tight fitting" as the other connector specifically for that purpose.
* Do some research online & you will see this to be the correct answer to your question.
Manufacturers do not put an extra connector there just so you have a choice as to which one people like... it is there to add greater functionality & hot swapping is that functionality.
- look at the connectors on this SATA hot swap adapter
(you will notice it is15pin)
http://www.barefeats.com/hard46.html
**EDIT (as per next answerer's comment) :
examples of hot swap with SATA -
http://www.nanosys1.com/sys-srv-op-sah.html
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15955&vpn=7044H-TR&manufacture=SuperMicro
http://www.abmx.com/1u-rackmount-server-intel-em64t-800fsb-hotswap-sata-p-166.html
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=Ht%2BHot&tag=540-20&index=electronics&link_code=qs&page=1
regards,
Philip T
2007-03-17 01:56:58 · answer #1 · answered by Philip T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are 2 tipes of power connectors: one standard (white-5 pins) wich u can also find on any IDE hdd's, and the other one came up lately special for S-ATA hdd's! There's no way to do a hot swap with a hdd, S-ATA, or IDE! U can choose wich one to use, if ur power source has both connectors!
Rgds
2007-03-17 02:09:07 · answer #2 · answered by blackangel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is for regular hook up on power supplies and the other is the new sata power connector that some MB's use...if your MB has sata tech than use the sata pin connector!
2007-03-17 02:48:15 · answer #3 · answered by Stuart B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Convenience... and backward compatibility But only use one or you will fry your drive
2007-03-17 11:01:39 · answer #4 · answered by decker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋