up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I have this converter which allows to connect IDE or SATA to a PC through a USB port. I have connected a SATA hard disk without supplying power but the PC didn't detected it. Is the power through the USB port enough to power up the SATA Hard Disk ? I have used a mini IDE Disk without power and worked fine.

Thanx :)

link|improve this question
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

You are probably going to need additional power to get the hard drive running. Notebook drives use a lot less power than your standard 3.5 inch desktop drive. Most adapters come with two USB plugs one for data and power and one for just power. It also depends on the type of drive and size I have a 2.5 160GB drive that is fine with just one USB connection but my 2.5 320 GB Western Digital needs both USB adapters plugged in. You can always get an additional adapter just for power if your current one doesn't have two plugs.

link|improve this answer
Thanx a lot Kyle :) – Dishan Feb 21 '11 at 16:33
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

If it is a 2.5 inch Sata hard drive, it should get its 5v power via the usb port.

If it is a 3.5 inch Sata hard drive, you will need to connect 5v power to the hard drive.

link|improve this answer
Thanx a lot Moab :) – Dishan Feb 21 '11 at 16:34
I have some 2.5 drives that don't work with just usb power.. not sure why just something I noticed (they are all bigger than 320GB). – Kyle Feb 21 '11 at 16:37
My Drive is 3.5 inch 160GB SATA. I don't have the power supply for the adapter at the moment. I'll reply when I check it with power. Once again thanx a lot both of you :) – Dishan Feb 21 '11 at 16:43
@ Kyle, some older laptops single USB ports do not supply enough power for a 2.5 inch hard drive, they make special usb cables that connect to 2 usb ports to power the drive, not sure if this is your issue or not. – Moab Feb 21 '11 at 16:50
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.