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    usb power overload, is it possible?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by pcgamer08, Dec 14, 2008.

  1. pcgamer08

    pcgamer08 Notebook Consultant

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    Basically I'm using Zalman NC-1000 cooler, and a Logitech MX518 mouse currently and now I'll be adding a 360 wired controller into the mix.

    I was just wondering with all of these usb devices connected could there be too much power for the laptop to handle or will it be just fine.

    Thanks
     
    pcgamer08, Dec 14, 2008
    #1
  2. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    should be just fine.
     
    goofball, Dec 14, 2008
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  3. a7x2thedeath

    a7x2thedeath Notebook Consultant

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    Just keep it plugged in.
     
    a7x2thedeath, Dec 14, 2008
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  4. Michel.K

    Michel.K 167WAISIQ

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    It might not work, but it's just for you to try, it won't fry anything if it's getting overloaded.

    I know my 3 USB-ports can get overloaded if i have a USB HDD, mouse + wlan dongle connected at the same time, all that happens is that the last thing i connected won't work. I guess my 3 USB2.0 ports are shared so to say.
     
    Michel.K, Dec 14, 2008
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  5. pcgamer08

    pcgamer08 Notebook Consultant

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    Well thats fine then as long it won't cause any damage it'll be for me to try like you say and yeah I'll have it plugged in also. Thanks guys.
     
    pcgamer08, Dec 14, 2008
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  6. miro_gt

    miro_gt Notebook Deity

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    USB 2.0 port delivers at max about 0.5 Amps (or 500mA), or 2.5 Watts. It's over 5 Volts always. All USB ports should be separate from each other powerwise .. but I guess on some laptops they may not be, which would suck.

    if you overload, the device (or one of the devices) will just not work as the USB port will limit the power output.

    an external HDD for example gets pretty close to 2.5 Watts depending on the disk and the enclosure. A mouse takes about 100mA or 0.5 Watts. So it's pretty obvious that a HDD and a mouse connected to the same port may not work properly.
     
    miro_gt, Dec 14, 2008
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  7. Erokitsune

    Erokitsune Notebook Consultant

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    i have an external hdd that uses 2 usb ports to power it, + charging blackberry + charging jawbone and it works fine.
     
    Erokitsune, Dec 14, 2008
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  8. robdope

    robdope Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, Michel i have question for you

    look at your sony 4 gb ram thread. thx in advance

    rob
     
    robdope, Dec 14, 2008
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  9. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Get an external USB HUB with a power supply - then you won't be bothered by that any more.

    External HDD with 2 USB plugs - I have one of these - but it only works well with 1 plugged in somehow...

    Back to powered USB hubs.
    These will allow you to draw 0,5A from every port - i.e. charging 7 devices (for a 7 port hub) at the same time - no problem.

    Also redeuces your wireing.
     
    DetlevCM, Dec 14, 2008
    #9