Can the USB port power a portable 2.5 inch drive?
1554088
Just keep in mind that the current (amperage) it can supply will be completely dependent on what you are powering the HooToo which will pass through to power the device connected. So if you power the HooToo with a power source that can only supply, for example, 0.3 amps it probably won't be enough to spin up a portable drive. But if you are using something like an iPad or Samsung S5 charger to power the HooToo which typically are 1.0-2.0amps, then you are probably all set. Older USB chargers/supplies that conform to the old half-amp max current specification might be borderline depending on the external drive used. Just keep in mind that the current (amperage) it can supply will be completely dependent on what you are powering the HooToo which will pass through to power the device connected. So if you power the HooToo with a power source that can only supply, for example, 0.3 amps it probably won't be enough to spin up a portable drive. But if you are using something like an iPad or Samsung S5 charger to power the HooToo which typically are 1.0-2.0amps, then you are probably all set. Older USB chargers/supplies that conform to the old half-amp max current specification might be borderline depending on... » Read More Just keep in mind that the current (amperage) it can supply will be completely dependent on what you are powering the HooToo which will pass through to power the device connected. So if you power the HooToo with a power source that can only supply, for example, 0.3 amps it probably won't be enough to spin up a portable drive. But if you are using something like an iPad or Samsung S5 charger to power the HooToo which typically are 1.0-2.0amps, then you are probably all set. Older USB chargers/supplies that conform to the old half-amp max current specification might be borderline depending on the external drive used. « Show Less
1554089
I tried my Toshiba HDDs but none of them work. I think it is because of power. But some people answered that it powered other brand HDDs. So I think it really depend on HDDs.
1554090
It does not work with a Seagate 1.5TB thick portable drive, keeps disconnecting when read/write to it. When connecting a small drive like WD 1TB, 80% of the time will be fine, but it disconnects as well. No matter what power adapter you use! I even tried to use a powered USB hub. It can read and recognize external drives connecting to a USB hub, but it will disconnect from time to time with no apparent reason.
901343
The worst case power is 5V at 500 mA. That is the maximum allowed by the USB 2.0 specification. Hence, worst case power would be 5 x 0.5= 2.5 watts.
339288
So if I'm understanding your question correctly, you can plug in a power adapter into the mini USB port to charge the device and at the same time use the USB 2.0 port to power and use an external powered USB hard drive.
1337002
There's not enough power (amps) through USB, it needs to be a self powered drive but yes it can hook up to the USB.Also must be formatted in FAT32.
1354444
A 2.5" HDD -laptop hard drive- or a SSD hard drive will work fine as I am using this on a daily basis. All these being said, there a very slight chance that your USB port won't have enough power to sustain my claim. But, given that there are 99.9% chances to work fine, what have you got to loose? It WILL WORK with either a 2.5" HDD or a SSD drive. I used with four devices at once without the need for external power. The UNTEK hub DOES COME with an external power adapter.
1899942
My guess is that it would work if the HDD is designed to work without power using a computer USB2 port; in order to call it USB2, it must meet the spec for providing the specified amount of power. I'm sure it would not work for an external 3 1/2 inch drive. I don't know about 2 1/2 inch drives - I've never owned one. But this is only a guess, I don't know for sure.
2164523
No. Order the correct size HDD enclosure. I think it's a 2.5". Or, get one of the docking stations.
1293899
I belive the mini USB 5 pin is the same but i'm not sure about the power requirements. Sorry
1330378
it doesn't say powered by usb. as far as i know the only interface that powers 3.5" drives is 6 pin firewire.usb doesn't have the juice for anything more than a laptop drive. even then its shaky for some older usb adaptors which actually tend to have their own ac adaptors, like with pcmcia usb cards.
23572
I do not see a reason that you could not, as it does have the 5.25" drive bays required to fit this device. However you will need to connect it to one of your computer cables for power. It's fairly simple, my connection was located on one of the cables coming from my motherboard.
2262000
I think there's one very important point that no one has mentioned: USB 3.0 provides 0.9 amps while USB 2.0 provides 0.5 amps. Keep that in mind. BTW, 3.5" always needs the power adapter; 2.5" USUALLY (not always) is not required.
1167793
I have powered a small usb drive. I think the key is that you might have to use a drive that is only usb powered, but I don't know entirely for sure. You could always get the cable and try it.
10959
Yes, provided you use your laptop near an AC outlet; the external drive has its own wall-wart power supply. If you want an external drive that's as portable as your laptop, look at the many small portable hard drives that are designed to draw power from the laptop's USB port -- or in some cases, two USB ports for full-speed performance.
1029522
Each USB output port can easily handle a USB 3 current load ( which is Greater than USB2 Current load. If your External Drive strictly operates from the USB3( or USB2) data cable that also carries power, it should be able to deliver and operate it. No harm will be done try it. ( Note many External large hard drives also require a separate external DC power connection. Check and refer to your Hard drive manual for it's specification and connections. Good Luck. BobNaz
842257
Like all 3.5" drives this is powered by a plugpack. You can buy 2TB drives in 2.5" format which are powered by USB.
377432
The hub has a 12 volt, 2 amp power supply. I assume the amp capacity is divided among the 4 ports. You'd need to find out what the current draw is of the external drive to be sure.
1710864
Yes. It however will only operate at the 2.0 speed that the USB port is designed to handle.