Storage Solutions Maxtor External HDD

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sri_rng

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I recently bought a 320 GB Maxtor Basics Portable HDD. The data cable for this is a bit weird. It comes with 2 USB connectors which can be connected to the computer. One is Power and the other is Power + data

It works only with the data cable, I just want to know if the power cable is necessary. Mind you, this is a 2.5" portable external HDD.

The white Led dims periodically. I dunno if this is the way it is designed to work or it is having some problem.

Also, Can someone suggest me a good tool to benchmark and test the HDD?
 
You don't always have to use the extra USB connector for power. It's provided only to use on systems where the USB port is not receiving enough current.

My 500GB Transcend HDD works fine without the power USB connector i.e. I only use the data USB connector and the USB receiver port provides current to the portable drive.
 
Relax, your harddrive is fine. LEDs on HDDs usually dim with activity etc. If you are still paranoid, use HDTune to scan the HDD for issues.
 
If I connect it to the front USB without connecting the power cable, it makes a beep. Does it mean it is not getting enough current? Should I always use back USB ports?
 
You can use any usb ports as long as they are connected properly....also the led indicators may blink during hdd activity or data transfer, and also data+power cable is ok for most systems...

The beep that you have mentioned, i have never heard one, when connecting mine,...and HDtune is a good utility for HDD health and benchmarking tool.
 
deaddevil said:
You can use any usb ports as long as they are connected properly....also the led indicators may blink during hdd activity or data transfer, and also data+power cable is ok for most systems...

The beep that you have mentioned, i have never heard one, when connecting mine,...and HDtune is a good utility for HDD health and benchmarking tool.
Click to expand...

NOT TRUE.

Its always recommended to use back USB ports when connecting devices that get power from the USB cable itself.

Why?

Because the long cables coming from the motherboard headers to the front USB ports can lead to a drop in current that is required for proper operation of the device.
 
Because the long cables coming from the motherboard headers to the front USB ports can lead to a drop in current that is required for proper operation of the device.
Click to expand...

humm, I don't think the drop in current is that significant, considering the distance from headers to front ports to be less than 1/2 a meter.....that's why i mentioned that they be properly connected....considering the above.

Anyway, Thanks for the Info Buddy :)
 
The white Led dims periodically
Click to expand...

It is the drive going into hibernation , whenever you dont access the drive for some time , it goes into hibernation and stops spinning to increase hard drive life , youll observe when lights are dimmed and you open the drive there will be a slight pause , the HDD will start spinning and you can access the files
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I am using only back USB ports and so far no problems.

No beep problem now.
 
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