RMA to manufacturer or return to NewEgg?

[TechnoPro]

I bought this enclosure from NewEgg. I experienced the exact same problem as the only reviewer on there. The device had to be plugged in mutliple times for XP to recognize it.

On one hand, this issue is trvial and the unit eventually works. On the other hand, I expect these devices to work properly.

With that said, I can either RMA to SilverStone or return to NewEgg for an exchange, hoping that I get a good one. What would you do?

 

[John]

I'd call Newegg and ask for an RMA, then see if they'll waive the restock if you purchase a different enclosure.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: John
I'd call Newegg and ask for an RMA, then see if they'll waive the restock if you purchase a different enclosure.

I really wanted this enclosure, though. It is very nice looking. Other reviews make no mention of this glitch, so I figured it won't be widespread. Perhaps I should just buy it from a different vendor.

 

[iRONic]

Send "NeweggSupport" a PM.

 

[MechaSheeba]

Newegg will turn it around a lot quicker than most manufacturers would. I'd say go through Newegg.

 

[Nocturnal]

I wouldn't base my purchase on looks alone. Check out the Adaptec enclosures or if you can the Addtonic ones. They're both extremely well built and I use them both on a daily basis. I abuse them to hell too. I do data backups for clients so I am constantly putting hard drives into and out of the enclosures.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I wouldn't base my purchase on looks alone. Check out the Adaptec enclosures or if you can the Addtonic ones. They're both extremely well built and I use them both on a daily basis. I abuse them to hell too. I do data backups for clients so I am constantly putting hard drives into and out of the enclosures.

Good point. I own several others and use them as you describe with putting new drives in them all the time. They are the work horses. This is one I want strictly for looks.

 

[Zepper]

I don't see any mention of your checking (or calling for) the support or FAQ at Silverstone before posting here. He helps those who help themselves... Nor did you mention what type of computer you're trying to use it with. Questions w/o adequate detail are incapable of being answered.

I have an intuition as to the problem but it won't be posted unless I see that info from the OP.

.bh.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I don't see any mention of your checking (or calling for) the support or FAQ at Silverstone before posting here. He helps those who help themselves... Nor did you mention what type of computer you're trying to use it with. Questions w/o adequate detail are incapable of being answered.

I have an intuition as to the problem but it won't be posted unless I see that info from the OP.

.bh.

My e-mail to Silverstone went unanswered. So I moved on to other means in my approach at achieving an adequate resolution.

I tested the device with 2 different hard drives. I tested the device is 4 different PCs - 2 desktops and 2 laptops - all running XP. The inability for Windows to properly detect the device on the initial plug-in occured every time. This presumably indicates a faulty device.

 

[Zepper]

No, I'm pretty sure it may just mean that it can't get adequate power from the USB ports you tried it with. Notebooks are known for not being able to supply much current at the USB ports and even a notebook drive can take extra current to spin up. You may have chosen a drive that takes too much current at startup. Which drive do you have in there? I'll look up the specs and compare some others.

. If you have a digital voltmeter, open the external drive housing and measure the +5V pin in there to see the reading you get at startup when you plug the USB cable in. Another option is just to get a +5V regulated power supply to plug into the external drive (assuming you plug both of the PC end plugs in first then plug into the external enclosure). There is a jack for a wall-wart but one doesn't seem to be supplied. http://www.bgmicro.com usually has a good range of them but you'll need to know what size plug it takes. And the polarity must be correct as well (looks like Neg inside and Pos outside from the pic). Most Radio Shack stores have a bunch of barrel connectors so you can see which size fits. They will also have the wall warts there, but the regulated ones are too expensive. Or you could rig a temporary supply from 3 AA batteries but you'd still have to use the right size barrel connector as when external power is plugged in, it should automatically disconnect the +5 line(s) from the USB port.

Another option is a self-powered USB hub as it should include a wall-wart that can supply significantly more power than any normal USB port.

I see it has a USB Y connector so I'm guessing you have to use two USB ports for adequate power. Many have a USB and a PS/2 pass-thru connector for adequate power. You have to be sure the two USB ports you plug the Y into are supplied their +5 current separately or you still may not get adequate power.

Pretty sure I'm nosing down the correct alley, but you may still just want to trade for one that includes a wall-wart. I never get one without a wall-wart or some type of external power as I'm well aware of the limitations of USB power. And I generally carry a self-powered USB hub in my kit.

Good luck,

.bh.

 

[NeweggSupport]

Hey TechnoPro,


Please feel free to PM us with your Sales Order number (SO#) and we would be glad to issue you an RMA for the defective item, if you have not done so online.