[INQUIRY] Going to be building some PCI-E powered cables, have a question 4u

[yorich]

I'm soon starting work on a powered x1->x16 riser cable, similar to the USB 3.0 cables that have been seen around the net for 29.99$.   I've started a BOM, and so far for a 50 unit build, I'm up to 5$ in parts/unit, 7 including a usb 3.0 cable (12"). I have a question though, as I am not trying to waste money unnecessarily.   Would more people use a sata power cable to power these, or would you use a 4 pin molex?   I ask because I can get both (I've tried looking for a cable that does sata AND female molex, no luck yet).   The power cable would add around another 2$, bringing BOM costs to around 9$ so far.   I still have the boards to do, but in QTY's of 100 or so, I believe the total cost should be no more than 15$. 

I welcome the feedback on the type of power cables I should include, I suppose I could do both, but this would add around another 2$ or so to the BOM.   

Also, I am so far unable to find in-stock PCI-E x16 slots that have the card locking clip, would this be a big deal for some people?  I've checked Digikey, Mouser, Aliexpress, Newark.com, and other distributors, but everyone either doesn't have, or is out of stock.  I got a fantastic deal on regular x16 slots (<50 cents each) so hopefully this won't be a deal breaker.    Unlike some sites, If there is enough interest in these I will order enough parts to make 100-200 of them (currently ordered for a build of 50) and I should begin design/board fab within a week or two.

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[Kluge]

Incidentally, have been considering buying some with BTC. Locking clip would be desirable and would command a premium, but not a deal-breaker. I'd guess 4-pin molex would be easier to work with (I don't think I've ever actually seen one powered with SATA connection and have no preference).

Have never seen one using USB 3.0 cabling. Thought they always used IDE-like ribbon cable. That's pretty cool (ribbon cables are an unwieldy, ugly mess unless rig is in a bench with graphics cards suspended directly above).

ETA: BTW, have been wondering if it's possible to do a USB 3.0 -> PCI-e adapter for mining. I'd guess special mining software would be required to detect and interface, and may need special drivers. Would be extremely useful. Unsure if feasible.