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Desktops: Will Seagate FreeAgent Go Work With My Computer?

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 9:58 AM
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Post 1 of 10

Will Seagate FreeAgent Go Work With My Computer?

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 9:58 AM

Hi,

I am buying an external hard drive and I heard that there are problem with portable hard drives not getting enough power from the USB port. And I am not sure if my computer will supply enough computer when I checked in the device manager in Windows it said my USB port supplies 500MA and I am not sure if it's enough to supply it without out having to buy a dock just to get 2 usb ports.

Thanks

Dell Dimension E520

Post 2 of 10

I'll write no.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 4/5/09 10:08 AM In reply to: Will Seagate FreeAgent Go Work With My Computer? by winstonliang6758

USB power is never a sure thing. If you have a device that demands more than 1/2 the possible 500 mA then you should never chance it.
Bob

Post 3 of 10

What about Two USB?

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 10:24 AM In reply to: I'll write no. by R. Proffitt Moderator

If I use a 2 USB connector will that be risking it?

Post 4 of 10

You seem to want "the sure thing."

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 4/5/09 11:48 AM In reply to: What about Two USB? by winstonliang6758

When it comes to USB power, the moment you go over 1/2 the available power I must write no.

Post 5 of 10

usb ports

by ramarc - 4/5/09 11:53 AM In reply to: What about Two USB? by winstonliang6758

PCs have multiple usb root hubs. there are usually two or more ports per hub and each port must share the usb power output of that hub. the hubs are shown in device manager under "Universal Serial Bus controllers."

you need to locate two ports which are on different controllers so each port will be delivering full power. plug in any usb device (a flash drive is ideal) and double click each "USB Root Hub" and check the "Power" tab until you find the usb device. then plug the device into other ports until it shows up under a different hub.

but if you're worried, a powered usb hub will definitely give you enough juice.

Post 6 of 10

Will Any Powered USB Hub Work?

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 12:33 PM In reply to: usb ports by ramarc

Will any USB powered usb hub?

Post 7 of 10

Almost every USB 2.0 will be fine.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 4/5/09 12:58 PM In reply to: Will Any Powered USB Hub Work? by winstonliang6758

Except the issue of tapping USB power for hard disks is one where it work 99% of the time for 99% of the people. You seemed like you wanted it to be 100% assured. For that you can't be so sure until you get the wall adapter for power for this drive.

Post 8 of 10

(NT) Thanks

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 1:41 PM In reply to: Almost every USB 2.0 will be fine. by R. Proffitt Moderator

Post 9 of 10

a free agent go will defiintely work

by ramarc - 4/5/09 3:19 PM In reply to: Will Any Powered USB Hub Work? by winstonliang6758

just like a western digital passport will work. these drives use low power hard drives (like those in notebooks/laptops) and get their power solely from the usb cable. there is no ac adapter.

older drives needed 2 ports. newer drives only need 1 port but the hub for that port should not be shared by another device with a high power draw (like a scanner, another portable hard drive, usb sound device, or a usb powered coffee warmer).

for most folks with newer pcs the "go" and "passport" are plug-and-play.

Post 10 of 10

(NT) Oh, Thanks I Will Try It And Buy A Dock If I Have To

by winstonliang6758 - 4/5/09 5:08 PM In reply to: a free agent go will defiintely work by ramarc

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