Can I use Sata and Pata at same time?

[bX510]

I am using PATA for harddrives, but is it possible to put in a SATA too? I have no more room for pata hard drives, and i need more space.

 

[MustISO]

Sure can. You need SATA connectors and SATA power (in most cases).

 

[bX510]

hmm sata power? Whats that? Is it from a standard power supply or any?

 

[imported_Imp]

It works, I use to, but my SATA controller was busted on my mobo, so had to yank it out. SATA power is just an SATA power plug that come from the PSU. I'm not sure if it's standard or not, but it does come with many popular PSUs available today. Also, if your PSU is older and doesn't have it, there may be a converter available. Sorry, too lazy to search for one right now.


Bla...here you go. Your PSU probably has one already though.
SATA Adapter

 

[corkyg]

SATA power simply refers to a different connector. Early SATA drives sometimes had both receptacles, but only one could be used. This picture illustrates:

SATAPATA

If there is no standard Molex port on the SATA drive, then a an adapter, Molex to SATA would be used if your PSU does not have a SATA cable and connector. Illustration:

Adapter

 

[bX510]

hmm.. i see that in the picture there is both sata and molex. DOes that mean i can use either? or i have to do both?

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: bX510
hmm.. i see that in the picture there is both sata and molex. DOes that mean i can use either? or i have to do both?

I believe that was only for the first gen SATA drives. My current Seagate SATAs only have the SATA power connector. Any new SATA drive you buy is likely going to only have the SATA power.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: bX510
hmm.. i see that in the picture there is both sata and molex. DOes that mean i can use either? or i have to do both?

I believe I said that there are two, but only one can be used. And, yes, this is what one would find in 1st generation SATA drives. Newer ones do not have the Molex 4 pin connector, and must either use a SATA power cable or an adapter.

 

[bX510]

When i am intalling it, do i need to install any drivers? or do i just plug it in and format and start using.