The type of
auxiliary power connector that is used in the controller.
The PCI-E connector used to connect this type of components, by itself, provides power up to 75 watts. This is not always enough, so if necessary, PCI controllers are equipped with connectors for connecting additional power from the computer's power supply. These cuts can be:
—
Molex. A characteristic four-pin power connector, which has a rather large size. Quite versatile, used to power a wide variety of system components
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SATA. Power connector released simultaneously with the corresponding data interface (see above) specifically for hard drives; however, it can also be used for other components. Has a 15 pin plug.
Molex/SATA. Ability to connect to a power controller using any of the connectors described above. This design is as versatile as possible, it minimizes the likelihood that a suitable connector is not found in the power supply. On the other hand, such versatility affects the size and price of the device.
This feature means that the controller board has a small height; and the height in this case is how much the board protrudes above the "motherboard" in which it is installed.
Low-
profile components are mainly designed for use in compact form factors where there is no room for full-sized boards. However, nothing prevents installing such a board in a larger case.
