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LAN Party Forums => Hardware Discussion => Started by: Goldtoes on March 17, 2006, 12:49:09 PM

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Goldtoes on March 17, 2006, 12:49:09 PM

Does anyone know if there is an external hard drive enclosure available that does not also use power besides USB?  I am looking to use one that powers off USB and not a seperate power source.  But using a 3.25" hard drive, not a laptop drive.

Thanks in advance.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Pride on March 17, 2006, 01:10:35 PM

I highly doubt it.  I dont think USB puts out enough energy to power a moving device like a Hard Drive.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Billabond1 on March 17, 2006, 01:34:48 PM

sup dude!

Pride is right.  usb just does not supply enough power for the drive.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Biggles on March 17, 2006, 01:39:41 PM

Quote from: "Billabond1"

sup dude!

Pride is right.  usb just does not supply enough power for the drive.

USB=5V
HDD=12V

there's your problem :(

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: TekieB on March 17, 2006, 02:29:20 PM

only 2.5" hdd's can accept just usb power, as they only use 5v

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Goldtoes on March 17, 2006, 03:28:24 PM

Thanks for all the quick responses guys.  I hadn't even simplified it down to just looking at the voltages, so thanks for opening my eyes.

I may look into using a laptop hdd.

Thanks again.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: Nimby on March 19, 2006, 03:35:20 AM

You can get a 100gb 2.5" HD for less than $200, with enclosure. If you want an allinone unit, the DataStor line is damn good, I have 2, one of which has taken a major beating and still looks/works wonderfully.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: The Nstuff on March 19, 2006, 03:15:34 PM

if you aren't worried about buying  an all-in-one unit where the hd comes with the enclosure, take a look at the Lacie drives...

http://www.lacie.com/products/range.htm?id=10036

Most in the list are usb or firewire bus-powered.  Some look like they include a second usb-power adapter in case the usb port on your computer/laptop is underpowered.

Title: Non-power hard drive enclosure
Post by: The Shoctor on March 21, 2006, 06:43:10 AM

I have a WD passport drive, no external power needed... unless your USB can't give enough.