2.5" HDD case power requirement

[Mayfriday0529]

I just bought this MSI Startray 2.5" HDD enclosure and it came with a funky USB cable.
on one end is the mini usb 2 port and on the other it has two regular USB connectors. I think they call it a USB Y cable.

Anyone ever use one of these? do you have to connect both ports to give the drive power?
If I use a regular single USB port cable the HDD is detected but when you write or access it it keeps disconnecting from the computer. I use the same type of cable on my Western Digital 120 gig Passport drive and works fine.

 

[Old Hippie]

do you have to connect both ports to give the drive power?

That's the idea. Some laptops don't have enough power for a single USB connection.

 

[corkyg]

Exactly. Most laptops will not power any external drive reliably with a single USB source. Most good external cases also can accept a small power module - that is better because you don't waste a USB port. Alternatively, use a powered hub.

 

[Old Hippie]

Most good external cases also can accept a small power module - that is better because you don't waste a USB port.

It can also make for an interesting afternoon puzzle. 20 wallwarts with 20 different pieces of equipment......Let's see....which one went to the laptop cooling pad?

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Old Hippie
It can also make for an interesting afternoon puzzle. 20 wallwarts with 20 different pieces of equipment......Let's see....which one went to the laptop cooling pad?

Ha, ha! Yeah - that can be an extreme situation - but really, nothing a labler can't resolve. And if you don't like to look at 'em - put 'em under the desk.

 

[Old Hippie]

but really, nothing a labler can't resolve.

Now ya tell me! Actually, whenever I find the "mates" anymore, I store it with the adaptor plugged in.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

thats weird because my western digital works great with one usb port connection.

the only difference is the WD drive is probably a 2.5" SATA drive, the new one is PATA.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Jnetty99
thats weird because my western digital works great with one usb port connection. the only difference is the WD drive is probably a 2.5" SATA drive, the new one is PATA.

SATA power draw is slightly different - maybe more efficient. The majority of external drives I have tried are all 2.5" - Toshiba, Hitachi, Seagate and Fujitsu, and none will work with just a USB connection. A lot depends also on what other USB devices you are running, especially on a laptop. Example, I use a USB wireless mouse, and a USB flash memory device and a USB fingerprint reader. Even with a hub, there's only so much power available in a laptop.

 

[Rubycon]

Western Digital Passport drives are optimized for use on a USB 2.0 connection without the requirement of auxiliary power. They have a soft start circuit which minimizes inrush current when plugged in. This eliminates those overloaded USB port messages in Windows or a malfunctioning drive. Seems to work well as I've never plugged one into a system and had it complain.

Those $19 cases OTOH, your mileage may REALLY vary with those. :Q

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: Rubycon
Western Digital Passport drives are optimized for use on a USB 2.0 connection without the requirement of auxiliary power. They have a soft start circuit which minimizes inrush current when plugged in. This eliminates those overloaded USB port messages in Windows or a malfunctioning drive. Seems to work well as I've never plugged one into a system and had it complain.

Those $19 cases OTOH, your mileage may REALLY vary with those. :Q

Coupla' things to be learned here;
1.) You get what ya' pay for
2.) This lady has soo much knowledge, it's just plain scary

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: Old Hippie

Originally posted by: Rubycon
Western Digital Passport drives are optimized for use on a USB 2.0 connection without the requirement of auxiliary power. They have a soft start circuit which minimizes inrush current when plugged in. This eliminates those overloaded USB port messages in Windows or a malfunctioning drive. Seems to work well as I've never plugged one into a system and had it complain.

Those $19 cases OTOH, your mileage may REALLY vary with those. :Q

Coupla' things to be learned here;
1.) You get what ya' pay for
2.) This lady has soo much knowledge, it's just plain scary

Yeah, what use is all that knowledge in the kitchen?

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Originally posted by: Rubycon
Western Digital Passport drives are optimized for use on a USB 2.0 connection without the requirement of auxiliary power. They have a soft start circuit which minimizes inrush current when plugged in. This eliminates those overloaded USB port messages in Windows or a malfunctioning drive. Seems to work well as I've never plugged one into a system and had it complain.

Those $19 cases OTOH, your mileage may REALLY vary with those. :Q

umm $9 bucks actually... i'll try it with the double USB and see how that works.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe

Yeah, what use is all that knowledge in the kitchen?