What the heck is this cable?

[strykazoid]

This came out of a friend's computer. The black piece on the front was sticking out of the metal chassis but behind the faceplate of the case. About an inch of cable was showing. The motherboard area next to the 4 pin connecter said HD THER. Thought it might be a thermal sensor of some kind but have been looking all over the net for answers but can't find a dang thing. Model and make of the motherboard is unknown, but we think it is an MSI (didn't know for sure and so I didnt post it under MSI)
Here is a picture of the cable, damned if I know what it is.
It says p/n 4519495 on the sticker tab.
Came out of a Lenovo desktop that he was upgrading.
Thanks in advance guys

 

[getochkn]

no pic.

 

[strykazoid]

Yeah I know. I didn't get to edit it quick enough. Its there now.

 

[nukemaster]

I too am interested in a picture if this cable.

EDIT.

Image.....hmmmm. thats a new one to be honest.

Maybe some kind of mic? looks big for a sensor.

 

[strykazoid]

I have no idea. The cable itself is about a foot long, and it is extra insulated at that end. It came with the computer from the store so I know its not a mod. It stuck out at the bottom of the case next to where the fan would be mounted so I don't think its a mic. If it is, not sure where any of the sound would go as the black piece on the end is completely solid. I tried holding it up to the light to see if maybe it was an infrared, but nope, solid black plastic.

 

[nukemaster]

Strange, would be a big sensor if that was its job.

 

[strykazoid]

I'd try calling Lenovo, but they charge for calls if you are out of warranty...Thanks for checking it out though guys.

 

[nukemaster]

Does the computer work without it?

I have seen odd ball batteries, sensors,usb connectors,ect but nothing quite like that

 

[USAFRet]

IR sensor? HDD thermal sensor?

 

[nukemaster]

An IR sensor would be a good one for sure. Was once common on many computers and still useful for media center.

 

[USAFRet]

An IR sensor would be a good one for sure. Was once common on many computers and still useful for media center.

" The black piece on the front was sticking out of the metal chassis but behind the faceplate of the case."

This is what led me to believe IR sensor.

 

[strykazoid]

Found it, dudes. It IS a thermal sensor...
http://www.lenovospareparts.com/31034561--Thermal-Sensor-Cable_p_113.html
The part number was updated so thats why it didn't come up on any websites...its a $30 cable. It's also not associated with the model number of the computer either.

 

[nukemaster]

Maybe that computer reacts to OUTSIDE air temperature to ensure even in a hot environment it runs cool.

I know on thermal sensing fans shorting out the sensor(basically a resistor that changes much more with heat) will force the fans full speed

Very cool that you solved your own post