SATA splitter

SandLake

Hi

I have a desktop PC and to speed it up I would like to add an SSD drive to install Windows onto. The problem is that I don't believe there are any spare power/data connectors. Can I buy a splitter so that I can pull the power/data connector out the the existing HDD and add in the splitter so that there are connections for 2 discs? I am just about to open the case up to see if I can understand this a it better.

Thanks

JJ_Egan

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=sata+splitter&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&source=hp&channel=np&gws_rd=cr&ei=5LHSUujUH6b07AbonYCIAg#channel=np&q=sata+splitter&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=shop&spd=7155152769978564310

wongataa

You can split power connectors but not data connectors.

Nilrem

As said you can't (normally) split SATA data cables.

However almost any machine will have at least 4 SATA ports on the motherboard, allowing for 4 drives.

If you don't have a spare port on the motherboard you can usually buy an expansion card (either PCI or PCI-E depending on the motherboard) for about £10-15 which will usually give you one or two additional ports.

SandLake

I have had a good look inside the case and there are no spare power or data connectors (or headers). There are 2 expansion cards, a graphics card and a wireless network card. I don't use the wireless network card so could I use that slot for both USB3 external ports and a SATA internal port? I'm guessing there is no such single expansion card.

I had googled SATA Splitter but just got confused with the variety on offer.

Thanks

virgo17

Nilrem wrote: »

However almost any machine will have at least 4 SATA ports on the motherboard, allowing for 4 drives.

It depends mainly on the age of the motherboard. I have a couple in service here that only have two SATA ports. They also have two of the older PATA ports for the older drive interface.

Sorry OP, but as the link provided earlier shows, although it is trivial to split the 5v and 12v connector, I believe splitting the SATA data cable would not be possible without additional electronics.

Shimrod

SandLake wrote: »

I have had a good look inside the case and there are no spare power or data connectors (or headers). There are 2 expansion cards, a graphics card and a wireless network card. I don't use the wireless network card so could I use that slot for both USB3 external ports and a SATA internal port? I'm guessing there is no such single expansion card.

I had googled SATA Splitter but just got confused with the variety on offer.

Thanks

Here's an example of the card you are after:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-U3S6-USB-SATA-PCIe/dp/B002VVQ58M/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1389636088&sr=1-2&keywords=sata+and+usb+card

To split the power, if you have a spare molex connector (the white bit with four sockets), you could get one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Internal-Power-Splitter-Cable-Adapter/dp/B0048OHTGM/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1389636205&sr=1-1&keywords=sata+power+adapter

Alternatively, one of these will split one Sata power connector for connecting two drives:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-Power-Splitter-Cable-Adapter/dp/B002N2EHVQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1389636270&sr=1-2&keywords=sata+power+splitter

SandLake

Thanks for all the replies. After a rethink, I think I have decided to simply replace my HDD with a smaller SSD and to replace the wireless network card with a USB 3 expansion card - then I can put my HDD into a USB3 caddy and connect it back to the PC but still have additional USB3 ports.

Thanks

cookie365

Why not get rid of the DVD drive? That'll free up a sata port, with no great loss.

SandLake

That's actually a very good idea! Thanks