Which connector is necessary as part of a SATA installation?

In a SATA installation, the 15-pin power connector is essential because it provides the power necessary for SATA drives, such as SSDs and HDDs, to operate. This connector is specifically designed to supply power to SATA devices, ensuring they receive the correct voltage and current. The 15 pins in the SATA power connector facilitate the distribution of power, including voltages of +3.3V, +5V, and +12V, which are required for the proper functioning of the drive.

The other options represent different types of connectors that are not compatible with SATA drives. The 8-pin PCIe connector is primarily used for providing power to graphics cards, while the 4-pin Molex connector is commonly associated with older IDE drives and peripherals but does not supply power to SATA drives. The 6-pin power connector is specific to certain PCIe devices, typically in environments requiring additional power not needed for SATA drives. Therefore, the 15-pin power connector is uniquely tailored for SATA installations, making it indispensable in these scenarios.