Thinkpads Forum

I am trying to use a Micro SATA 1.8" SSD drive,
using a 2.5" SATA to 1.8" Micro SATA adapter (IBM FRU# 42W7888)
attached to an external SATA => USB cable & PS (Sabrent USB-DSC5).

System recognizes the SATA => USB adapter, but never sees the SSD drive itself - not even in Disk Management admin tools.

I am using the external SATA power supply/connector to the SATA => USB adapter, works fine with a 2.5" SATA Hard Drive, but doesn't seem to even power up the SSD.

I have not been able to find a Micro SATA 1.8" power connector, that is why I am using the 2.5" to 1.8" adapter.

Anybody have any experience with this, clues or alternative adapters?

THX in advance for any help you can provide.

the first question that pops into my mind is has that SSD ever been formatted or otherwise used..?

i should point out that the only SSD i have yet seen is the one in the X300..
and i have not tried accessing it outside the X300..

Drive was previously formated and had data copied to it using the 2.5' => 1.8" adapter inside of a laptop. Worked fine.

According to something I read on another site, it appears to be a 3.3v issue and the Molex 4 pin to SATA 15 pin power cable that came with the SATA => USB adapter is not doing anything to provide the 3.3v.

Apparently need to find some kind of tranformer / stepdown / regulator to supply all three voltages 3.3 / 5.0 / 12 and be able to put it out to the Micro SATA power connector.

Will keep searching - thanks for reply and any resources anyone might suggest.

I am very interested in hearing if you were able to resolve your problem. Was it the 3.3V / 5V issue that was causing the problems?