Hard Disk Power Draw

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Bren McGuire
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Hard Disk Power Draw

Unread post by Bren McGuire »

I've got a 2,5 SATA HDD that I could use with the MiSTer, I'm not sure how to power it though.

My setup is powered with a 20W PSU (4A) that's connected to both the USB 2.0 Hub and the MiSTer itself.

Most of the 2.5 HDD cases you can find today are USB 3.0 and they get power through a single USB cable, while old USB 2.0 2.5 HDD cases typically have a Y cable with 2 USB A plugs. That's because, according to its specs, USB 2.0 delivers 500mA while USB 3.0 outputs 900mA.

So, apparently it would be better to use an old USB 2.0 box because with the 2.0 Y cable I'd be getting 1A while with the single 3.0 cable I'd get only 500 mA.

Does this make sense or is there something I'm getting horribly wrong?
jca
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Re: Hard Disk Power Draw

Unread post by jca »

I am using an old WB Elements 1TB USB 2.0 HDD which is USB powered, my power supply is rated for 5A (I had it in my junk box). I don't know the power consumption of the drive.
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Bren McGuire
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Re: Hard Disk Power Draw

Unread post by Bren McGuire »

jca wrote: Sat Jun 25, 2022 5:13 pm I am using an old WB Elements 1TB USB 2.0 HDD which is USB powered
With or without the Y cable?
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Re: Hard Disk Power Draw

Unread post by jca »

Sorry, no Y cable.
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Bren McGuire
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Re: Hard Disk Power Draw

Unread post by Bren McGuire »

Update: I'm using an old SATA/USB 2.0 interface (with an Y cable) I found on a drawer and it's working fine.
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