Which “Molex connector” are you referring to? The ATX spec specifically specifies Molex Mini-Fit part numbers, and claims this is for compatibility with PCIe: https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FS8/5ILB/GU59Z1AT/FS85ILB...

Is Mate-n-Lok perhaps a compatible product from a competitor?

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numpad0 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

"Molex" usually refers to flat 4 pin AMP 1-480424-0 or Molex 8981-04P connectors(part number taken from random pdf on the Internet[1]). Confusing as it is... Actual Molex Mini-Fit are rarely colloquially referred to as Molex.

1: https://community.intel.com/cipcp26785/attachments/cipcp2678...

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ssl-3 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

I've heard it argued that "Molex" means any extruded-pin connector.

Like "Kleenex" means any facial tissue that is meant to be sneezed on.

(Both uses are wrong, but both also tend to promote efficient communication.)

	▲	SAI_Peregrinus 5 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		And "JST" is used for any small white plastic connector with one side open showing the pins. "DuPont" means "Amphenol Mini-PV" or "Harwin M-20" or any other Mini-PV clone.
	▲	0_____0 5 days ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		I work a lot with connectors and I'm not really sure what you mean by extruded pin connectors. Typically the terminals are formed from sheet, unless you're using fancy 38999-style pins, which I believe are machined (and very expensive).
	▲	msla 5 days ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		At a certain point, the genericized trademark is the correct term, like how aspirin is the correct term (only term, really) for a specific preparation of acetylsalicylic acid, even though it was a trademark of the Bayer corporation.
	▲	hhh 5 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I’ve seen Molex’s part catalogue, and would expect that almost any connector could be a molex part ;)

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dcrazy 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Ah, so it does appear that Mate-n-Lok is a name that AMP/TE uses for some Molex-compatible products. For example, TE’s Micro Mate-n-Lok appears to be compatible with Molex’s Micro-Fit.

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fredoralive 5 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

It’s the one the diagram of connectors calls “peripheral power connector” but the document doesn’t seem to go into details for it. Basically the original PC drive power connector, so 5.25” drives, older hard discs, optical drives etc. use it, in the latter cases it’s been replaced by the SATA power connector.

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bradfa 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

ATX should call out Molex Mini-Fit Junior connectors. There are many Mini-Fit.