USB power straight from PSU???

[CMar]

I have 2.5" external HD that runs off USB power, but the front ports of my Asus a7nx-x mobo do not supply enough amps.
I would love to run the thing off of one usb cable, instead of runing another from a rear port.

Is there any problem with hooking the 5v wire of my front usb directly to the 5v of my power supply, or am i looking for trouble?

Is the USB power from the mobo conditioned (other than limiting the amps) in any special way?

 

[karma4jake]

You could just get a PCI USB card that would power from the mobo but I suppose that may be the same as the front USB's

 

[CMar]

If I added a card I would get a firewire, since the enclosure is set up for that also, and firewire supplies more power.

I could also run and extension cable from the rear, but i am looking for quick, simple and CHEAP.

If it would work, I could solder the wires in 2 minutes.

 

[Cerb]

nForce chipsets are known for not giving more juice than the spec says they can. a PCI card should do it, or you could get a powered uSB hub ($20 or less at Newegg for a 4-port powered USB 2.0 hub)

 

[Mem]

or you could get a powered uSB hub ($20 or less at Newegg for a 4-port powered USB 2.0 hub)

I`m using an external powered USB 2.0 HUB(7 port),comes in handy for my external USB DVD burner and other USB devices,so going that route is your best bet IMHO.

 

[Feep]

the problem with soldering is that you have to replace the shielding very very well, especially for a HD

 

[CMar]

Shielding is not a problem, the part where I would be soldering, the header plug or the usb port, is not shielded, just the length of wire in between.

My only concern is if the mobo further conditions the power, like by smoothing out any voltage variations, or something like that.

I would only use the modified port for the external drive.
Would I be OK hooking a laptop drive up to the 5v straight from the PSU?