IDE Molex 4 Pin Socket Cable - 30cm long

For large - scale projects requiring substantial power, an AT or ATX power supply is a great source for 5V or 12VDC. The issue is that their connectors are mainly for motherboards or hard drives. This cable solves the problem. It has a 4 - pin Molex connector that matches the power cables of hard drives and CD - ROMs from the power supply, allowing you to access 5V or 12V. You can even use it while your computer is on, like for decorating your hard drive with LEDs or VFD/LCD displays. Note that in some older drives, the 12V supply may be unstable without significant current draw on the 5V line. To stabilize the 12V line when using it without loading the 5V line, you can solder a 10 - ohm 10 - watt power resistor between ground and 5V.

How to use: First, connect the 4 - pin Molex connector of this cable to the power cables of your hard drive or CD - ROM that come from the power supply. Then, you can access 5V or 12V power. You can use it even when your computer is powered on, for example, to add some cool LED decorations to your hard drive. Things to note: In some older drives, the 12V power might be unstable. If you need to use the 12V line without loading the 5V line, solder a 10 - ohm 10 - watt power resistor between ground and 5V to make the 12V supply stable. Maintenance advice: Keep the cable clean and avoid bending it too much to prevent damage to the internal wires. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, replace the cable promptly.