Molex Ports in 2009 MacPro (MB871LL/A) (Model 4,1)?

Question

Level 1

22 points

Molex Ports in 2009 MacPro (MB871LL/A) (Model 4,1)?

I am trying to install an Intel 330 series SSD into my MacPro. I don't want to connect the SSD to the SATA port without using a sled, as some have done. Nor do I want to use zip ties to seat the SSD correctly in the sled.

So, the SSD came with a SATA data cable and a Molex-to-SATA power cable. Is there an available Molex port in the 2009 MPs? I've seen a lot of discussion of Molex ports in the 2008 models, but nothing about the 2009 models. This, to me, suggest that there are no Molex ports in the 2009 models.

I don't want to open the MP until I know what I'm doing. I'm hoping someone has an answer, so I don't go poking around on the motherboard and mess something up.

Thanks!

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7), 2009 2.66 Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

Posted on Aug 22, 2012 2:34 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 22, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Engender

the 2008 model and previous came wired for IDE/ATA Optical drives with Molex power. There are two SATA data-only connectors on the motherboard.

The 2009 and later have full SATA connectors in there. Just plug it on the cable. A lot of folks place it in the Optical drive bay with no cables. It does not rotate or Vibrate, so there is no need for a mount unless you are dying to have a mount.

Reply

Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Aug 22, 2012 2:40 PM in response to Engender

The lower optical bay has SATA data and power, no adapter needed.

Only the older Mac Pro needed molex.

There are various kits to install an SSD though some are for more than one in the lower bay.

Reply

Answer 3

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 22, 2012 2:59 PM in response to The hatter

Thanks for your responses.

I am kind of dying to have a mount. I'm worried about having to move the MacPro and either dislogging the SSD or have the SSD put too much pressure on the SATA port.

What I'm thinking of doing is just purchasing a SATA power extension cable. I was hoping to get this done today, though, and it does not look like Radio Shack carries SATA power extension cables ... they carry Molex-to-SATA adaptors, but not simple extensions.

Do you guys think that would work? I would mount it in the 3.5 adaptor that came with it, which I would attach to the MP sled, and then connect the SSD with SATA data and power extenders.

Reply

Answer 4

Aug 22, 2012 3:13 PM in response to Engender

Lots of folks use the Icy-Dock 2.5 drive to 3.5 sled adapter.

You can buy aftermarket 2.5 plus 3.5 drive sleds like these:

http://www.transintl.com/store/category.cfm?category=2787

The screws required for 2.5 drives are Optical drive mounting screws, 3mm standard thread.

If you want to use a drive bay, try placing it in bay 1 with no sled. You can place a small non-conductive object under it to support it.

Reply

Answer 5

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 22, 2012 3:14 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Meh. I'm going to spend $10 to get a SATA power extension cable overnighted from Amazon, rather than the $30 for a sled adaptor.

This is essentially the same solution as plugging the SSD into the SATA cable used for the second optical drive, in that I will be using cables instead of directly inserting the SSD into the SATA port. I'm not sure that AppleCare would replace a SATA port because I didn't support the SSD properly ... they'd have to replace the whole backboard!

Reply

Answer 6

Aug 22, 2012 3:17 PM in response to Engender

they'd have to replace the whole backboard!

We have seen cases of SATA connector failure here, and more research has show that those connectors are on a cable that runs behind the mainboard, and the connectors poke through cut-outs. That makes them ever so slightly flexible.

Reply

Answer 7

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 22, 2012 3:19 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Any chance they are flexible enough to extend a few inches? I guess, though, this would probably present the same "broken warranty" problem. "Why is this SATA cable pulled through the board?"

Reply

Answer 8

Aug 22, 2012 3:47 PM in response to Engender

Just enough to wiggle up and down a lttle to accommodate a slightly off-position connector.

Reply

Answer 9

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 24, 2012 10:32 AM in response to Engender

Well, that didn't work. I finally got the correct cable, but there was too much plastic on the connection points for the cable to fit in the small space required.

Looks like I'll have to shell out the money for one of the adaptors.

To anyone else, don't waste your time if you're not comfortable with the twist to solution, just shell out the money for an adaptor. I wasted two hours today trying to make this happen with just the adaptor included in the Intel 330 kit, to no avail.

Reply