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    Increase USB Bus power

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by kdabomb, Jan 4, 2007.

  1. kdabomb

    kdabomb Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have an SZ230 and am trying to use a Western Digital Passport external harddrive, which is USB powered. When I plug it into the USB port on my SZ, it says there was an overdraw of power and it will not work. Is there any way to increase the power supplied to the USB port?

    Thank you.
     
    kdabomb, Jan 4, 2007
    #1
  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    I am not sure about increasing the power to the USB port, but I know that you should be able to get the external drive running by using two USB ports - one for data transfer + power, and another one just for power. Your drive should come with the cable that does this.
     
    Gautam, Jan 4, 2007
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  3. TinyRK

    TinyRK Notebook Evangelist

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    An USB-Port delivers 5V and 500mA, which makes 2,5 Watt.
    Most of the 2,5' HDDs need more than 2,5 Watts when they start spinning.
    When they are already spinning they need less energy, but the that is not the issue.
    The larger the HDDs is, the more energy they need.

    I have no issues with one USB and a 40GB external 2.5" HDD, but on the other hand some real ones with a 60GB 2.5" HDD.

    E.G. the WD Passsport 120GB needs 5V and 1 A, which makes ist 5 Watts, also does the 60GB Version, so they need both USB-Ports to deliver the Amps.
     
    TinyRK, Jan 5, 2007
    #3
  4. bANDYka

    bANDYka Notebook Enthusiast

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    There is a solution for your problem. You need to purchase and additional Power Booster Cable for you Passport.

    http://www.wdc.com/en/products/accessories.asp?ProdID=170

    Check the link, I advise you to buy directly from WD. Using any kind of cheap copy of this cable may damage your drive.

    Regards:
    bANDYka
     
    bANDYka, Oct 25, 2007
    #4