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    Maxtor Basics Portable hard drive

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by facadegeniality, Oct 11, 2008.

  1. facadegeniality

    facadegeniality Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I bought a hard drive as stated above..It's my first 2.5 inch ext. i noticed that there is an extra usb cable labelled "power" the other is called "power + data".

    it requires me to plug in the second on for it to work well.i've read elsewhere that some other 2.5" require extra power and this will be shown when the drive clicks.

    http://www.sabrent.com/Drivers/SBT-EBU25.htm

    GO to 4.0 hardware setup, the second last point.

    I wonder if this applies to my own hard drive too.Anyone knows?
     
    facadegeniality, Oct 11, 2008
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  2. Jstn7477

    Jstn7477 Sam I Am

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    If it doesn't work with the power + data cable first, then you will have to use both ports. It shouldn't hurt your computer because USB ports are supposed to kill the power if the load on a port exceeds 500mA.

    -J.B.
     
    Jstn7477, Oct 11, 2008
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  3. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    I've seen too many USB errors with dual cabled devices and will no longer use them myself.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, Oct 11, 2008
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  4. facadegeniality

    facadegeniality Notebook Consultant

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    Jb : so far it has been working well..what kinda situations will warrant the use of the power cable?

    johndoe: wud u be able to explain the "errors" in detail?
     
    facadegeniality, Oct 11, 2008
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  5. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    Power surge is the most common
     
    AKAJohnDoe, Oct 11, 2008
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  6. built

    built Notebook Deity

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    I agree. I would never purchase a portable hard drive like the Maxtor, or the iOmega eGo, both of which require a second USB connection for power.

    I have a number of Toshiba portable hard drives which only require one USB connection.
     
    built, Nov 2, 2008
    #6