Newb question about power from a Molex

**dsballer2000** · 06-24-2006, 08:30 PM

Hi guys and gals,
sorry about the newb question. Ok here goes. On a molex where there are Yellow, Black, Black, Red. 12v, Ground, Ground 5v, if i hook up a slot load dvd drive which only uses 5v all I have to do is make sure one of the ground wires and the 5v wire is used right? I'm extending the power from my trunk to the front and I'm cutting up a molex and I figure since I"m only using 5v I don't have to extend all 4 wires but just the two right?
Also, I am using a DSATX to power everything up. Is there a difference from grounding the slot load dvd drive or anything that needs power by the power supply rather than the chassis of my car? Once again so I don't have to pull a whole new wire from the back of my car to the front for ground when I can just ground it up at the front.
Sorry for the newb question.

**DarquePervert** · 06-24-2006, 09:26 PM

Using the ground from the molex for the optical drive should be just fine.
It may not matter which ground you use out of the molex connector, but I use the one closest to the power wire just to be safe.

**dsballer2000** · 06-24-2006, 09:28 PM

what about if i ground it to my chasis? Not a good idea?

**DarquePervert** · 06-24-2006, 09:34 PM

I don't see a problem with it.

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-24-2006, 09:40 PM

I have attached a pic of a molex ATX 20 pin pinout. You can hack into any one you like for the appropriate voltage. The four pin connectors follow the same color scheme. If the DVD only uses the 5v line, then just extend that. Mine worked the same way. It works fine!

Just a note...sometimes (especially old compaq PSU's) the colors are different cuz they think its cool to be different....but to clarify the pinout picture should help... I cannot remeber tho if this is MoBo side or wire side....

I hope that made sense...it got kinda consuing in my head...

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-24-2006, 09:42 PM

Oh and grounding to the chassis.. with a DC-DC psu that will probably work alright....(i would test with like a 5v bulb or tester first before putting the drive on the line...)

But a AC-DC set up (with inverter .. etc...) IT probably WONT work. The AC transformer usually needs a complete circuit to work so it shoulnd work...but ya never know...

What i say is test with something first. If you can get away with just a 5v line go for it.. but i suggest running a ground AND 5v.

**dsballer2000** · 06-24-2006, 09:51 PM

Ya, I probably should bring a ground from the back as well. I drew 5 wires from the back to the front so I'll use 4 of those for 12v/G and 5v/G for my monitor and slot load dvd.

Thanks for all your help!