Bitcoin Forum

Other => CPU/GPU Bitcoin mining hardware => Topic started by: Trongersoll on May 29, 2013, 03:31:25 PM



Title: Something for the EEs to think about.
Post by: Trongersoll on May 29, 2013, 03:31:25 PM
Would to be possible to make a SATA to PCI-e adapter? Most MBs have more SATA connectors than anyone needs. Could be a business opportunity here.


Title: Re: Something for the EEs to think about.
Post by: crazyates on May 29, 2013, 03:45:28 PM
It doesn't take an EE to look at 2 facts:

1) A 15pin SATA power connector is powered by 5 wires: 1x 3.3V, 1x 5V, 1x 12V, and 2x ground.

2) A typical PCIe 6 pin connector is made up of 6 wires: 3x 12v, and 3x ground.

It's a very similar situation as to why you only buy a Molex->PCIe adapter with two plugs - you never want all the current (75W @ 12V = more than 6A) running thru a single wire.

Also, most SATA cables have more than one connection, and they often share a 12V wire. Could you imagine 3 or 4 PCIe 6 pin adapters, all trying to pull 75W each thru a single 18awg wire? That's almost 25A!

http://www.jmt.bg/images/products/24871_55043.jpg vs http://www.systemagnostic.com/wp-uploads/2013/01/molex_pci-e.jpg


Title: Re: Something for the EEs to think about.
Post by: deslok on May 29, 2013, 03:47:41 PM
he's talking about the data connection and the answer is that unfortunately the signals are too different for an adapter to be viable


Title: Re: Something for the EEs to think about.
Post by: crazyates on May 29, 2013, 03:50:58 PM
he's talking about the data connection and the answer is that unfortunately the signals are too different for an adapter to be viable
Oh my mistake. However, that's even worse, as those only supply 5V, not 12V, and they're not designed to draw a lot of power. You'll burn your MB out even trying.