Which cable do I need?
Which cable do I need?
Hi there, your Dell Vostro 470 (2012) setup is on the right track. You're using the new PSU with the correct ports—L4P/SATA and CPU/PCI-E—and you're planning to use a 6 pin to SATA cable for the optical drive. Just confirm the power source is indeed SATA and ensure the cable matches your needs.
You may want to explore some discussions online and on the web, as these adapters often cause issues. It would have been wise to research before purchasing your PSU, though I wonder where those extra SATA connectors ended up. You should have had two spare ones. If you're still inclined to buy an adapter, consider a Molex to SATA adapter instead of the 6pin PCIe to SATA option.
The answer is clear. You need a cable to connect the PSU to the optical drive. The motherboard isn't directly involved in this setup, and it's a Dell system, not an HP. It's a simple matter—there are ports for L4P/SATA and CPU/PCI-E, but you should use the correct type for powering the optical drive.
If I’m interpreting correctly, you must use one of the cables designed for the L4P/Sata connections.
Here’s an older catalog for a power supply I believe.
https://www.f1techcomputers.com.au/produ...er-supply/
You’ll notice the package includes several cables, usually with six pins on one side and a mix of SATA and Molex connectors on the other.
You should be able to insert one of these cables into an LFP/Sata port on your power supply, which will then adapt to the required connector.
You should already possess it. Unless you purchased a used PSU and the seller omitted all the necessary cables.
Choose any L4P/SATA port and attach the suitable cable accordingly
(opt for SATA plugs if your optical drive uses SATA power connectors,
or use Molex plugs if your optical drive employs Molex power connectors).
Reminder - without compatible cables, be aware that modular cables between various modular PSUs are not typically interchangeable. Incorrect modular cables may harm or destroy the connected hardware.