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I would like to use software RAID in a Dell PowerEdge R300, but it has no molex or SATA power connectors inside, only non-standard plugs: one to take power from the PSU, and one that supplies it to the backplane (I can't use the backplane).

Dell R300 power connections

Are there adapters to convert the black connector to molex/SATA power?

I already tried using a SFF-8484-to-2-sata fan-out cable so that I can connect SATA drives to the on-board controller using the backplane, but that doesn't work. I don't understand why, because looking at the PCB, the traces go right to the pins in the plug, not to the controller chip on it.

Halfgaar
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    What exactly are you trying to do here? This looks like a completely unsupportable setup, certainly not supported by Dell. What happens when you leave or get hit by a bus, will the next admin be able to figure out this custom-cable mess? – Chris S Dec 05 '14 at 15:34
  • I'm merely trying to connect the drives to the on-board sata, not the hardware raid controller. All I'm missing is power. – Halfgaar Dec 05 '14 at 16:18
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    I don't remember this model precisely, but I believe you have to choose between the RAID controller and the on-board one. Try disconnecting the RAID card to check if that's the case. But I second what's been said about bad idea and unsupported configuration, regardless. – HopelessN00b Dec 05 '14 at 16:29

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From the spec

Maximum Internal Storage 2TB (2 x 1TB) SAS 2TB (2 x 1TB) SATA

You really can't use the backplane ? as I would assume the powersupply can't supply more than those 2 drives efficiently

yagmoth555
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  • That is with the hardware RAID controller. When I connect them to the on-board SATA, it doesn't work. – Halfgaar Dec 05 '14 at 16:18
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    @Halfgaar This server sell with a SAS or SATA controller. If your HDD in the backplane are SAS, please use SAS drive, or call Dell and try to get the SATA backplane – yagmoth555 Dec 05 '14 at 16:24