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    external HDD esata power issues

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by __-_-_-__, Feb 3, 2009.

  1. __-_-_-__

    __-_-_-__ God

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    I bought a 2.5" 320gb external HDD but I'm not too happy about it. I thought I could put any drive into the enclosure but that's not true. In my case the enclosure has no screws! it's soldered or glued permanently o_O so I can't do anything with it. I can't replace the disk etc. I sold it.

    So what I want now is an 2.5" esata and usb enclosure where I can put my own HDD and do it whatever I want. My confusion/problem is related to power.
    I do not want to use an AC adapter.
    I known that some drives require more than 500ma or 0.5A of USB power.
    What does this mean? Can I use the drive using 2 usb connectors without an AC adapter? will it work?
    What about in an esata enclosure? esata does not provide power. I've to use 2 usb connectors + 1 esata connector?
    What if sometimes I want to use USB interface instead of esata? enclosures offer both options? or I have to use a usb > esata cable?
    I want to use a Seagate Momentus 7200.4 500gb 7200rpm
    according to the specs:
    Power (W)
    Seek, Typical 1.554, 1.554
    Idle, Typical 0.67, 0.67
    will it work using 2usb connectors? I'm so confused... :| please help the noob
     
    __-_-_-__, Feb 3, 2009
    #1
  2. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    You might be better off getting a regular usb drive. The esata might not provide you with the added benefits when using a slower 2.5" drive.
     
    nizzy1115, Feb 3, 2009
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  3. KamoKarzi

    KamoKarzi Newbie

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    There are a few options out there for usb and esata, I sometimes use 2 usb's for power and sometimes one as it can be unreliable (cuts out) with one on some computers.
    I use a 320gb 5400 drive rated a 1.1 amps I think (usb is .5 amps).
    I do use esata for bigger files and it does make a bit difference over usb 2 on my hdx laptop.
    Hope that is of some help .
    PS most external caddies come with a duel usb adaptor.
     
    KamoKarzi, Feb 4, 2009
    #3