I'm trying to figure out how to add a 2TB 3.5" hard drive to my new HP Elite 600 G9 Desktop PC for automatic backups. It has SATA ports and an empty drive bay, but I'm puzzled about how to power the HDD with the current power supply. The PSU has only two cables that go directly to the motherboard—one black and yellow, and the other black and brown. The PSU model is M76034-001, and I can't find any extra SATA power connectors that I would expect. Has anyone dealt with this issue?
4 Answers
Check for a third cable! There should be a thin cord that comes from the top right of the motherboard with multiple SATA power connectors at the end. Sometimes it’s just hiding there waiting to be used, so take a closer look at that area.
Thanks for the suggestions! I found that the third cable is plugged into the motherboard too, but I looked up the M76034-001 and the setup I have doesn't seem to include any loose SATA power connectors. It seems strange to have a nice desktop with expansion options but not the necessary power connections.
Here’s a pic of what I’m dealing with: [image link] The connectors look like they’re just designed for the essentials.
Prebuilt PCs often come with minimal configurations. It’s pretty common to find that they don’t include extra cables for upgrades. If you can't find any hidden SATA power cables, it might be worth considering an upgraded power supply that can accommodate your needs better.
Modern PSUs usually handle SATA power quite well. If you're missing a SATA power connector, you can either get one of those adapters for the 4-pin Molex plugs, or consider using an external HDD enclosure or dock.
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