What is the ideal voltage range on the hotwires of a Molex Connector?

The ideal voltage range on the hot wires of a Molex connector includes a red wire providing 5V and a yellow wire providing 12V. This connection is commonly found in power supplies for older desktop computers, where the Molex connector supplies power to components such as hard drives and optical drives.

The red wire, which supplies 5V, is essential for powering many smaller components on a motherboard and peripherals. The yellow wire, supplying 12V, is used for powering devices that require more energy, like motors or larger drives. This voltage distribution is standardized to ensure compatibility across various hardware.

Understanding this configuration is vital for troubleshooting PC power supply issues and ensuring that components receive the appropriate voltage for optimal functionality.