The AMP connector was similar to the patented Molex connectors but not interchangeable. In October 1963, AMP (now TE Connectivity) introduced the Mate-n-Lok connector. First used in home appliances, other industries soon began designing it into their products from automobiles to vending machines to minicomputers. Molex developed and patented the first examples of this connector style in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Mate-n-Lok connector design led to several connector types that have become established for connecting power in desktop PCs because of their simplicity, reliability, flexibility, and low cost, and is more widely known as a 'Molex connector' despite not being from the Molex company. It featured improvements such as being keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. Developed by Molex Connector Company in the late 1950s, the design features cylindrical spring-metal pins that fit into cylindrical spring-metal sockets, both held in a rectangular matrix in a nylon shell.ĪMP (now TE Connectivity) introduced the Mate-n-Lok connector in October 1963, which was similar to Molex's patented design but not compatible. AMP Mate-n-Lok 1-480424-0 Power connector (female pins, male connector)ġ8 AWG, or 0.823 mm 2 wire is typically used.ĪMP Mate-n-Lok and Molex standard 0.093-inch pin and socket power connectors Molex standard 0.093-inch pin and socket connectors Molex disk drive power connection system tool and connectors ATX connectorĪ Molex connector is a two-piece pin-and-socket interconnection which became an early electronic standard.

2 pin molex connector