What is the name of the 4-pin power connector used to provide power to a PATA hard drive?

The correct answer is the Molex Connector, which is indeed the 4-pin power connector used to supply power to PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment) hard drives. The Molex connector comprises four pins and is designed to deliver the appropriate voltage for older hard drives, typically providing both +5V and +12V.

This connector has been a standard in computer power supplies for many years, especially for connecting older devices like PATA hard drives, optical drives, and some other peripherals. Understanding the function of the Molex connector is essential for troubleshooting and upgrading legacy systems that still utilize PATA drives.

Other connectors mentioned do not serve this specific purpose. The SATA connector is used for Serial ATA drives, PCIe connectors are meant for providing power to graphics cards, and USB power connectors serve a completely different interface designed primarily for data transfer and peripheral device power. Understanding the specific applications and characteristics of these connectors is vital for proper hardware configuration and management.