If I have USB 3.0 ports, do I need to connect the "extra" USB from Y-cable? Seems like the extra pins on the USB 3.0 would be sufficient for power?
1819758
the extra cable end is for USB 2.0. Note the USB 3.0 cable end is blue, the 2.0 is white.
1819759
It didn't work for me with a single USB 3.0 port. I also had to connect the additional cable to the USB 2.0 port I have to power the drive.
1819760
good news, no you do not need the third usb power wire. the USB standard actually puts out more power for USB 3 devices than the old USB 2 standard. There is plenty of power to run any of the USB 3 accessories including this drive.
1034733
Depends on the computer/laptop a lot of manufactures like to make the connection blue, or have a special symbol. If you look in your computer management->Universal Serial Bus controller you should see one listed as USB 3.0.
1667377
Plug both USB connectors into the computer. This is a Y cable used to power the device as it draws more power than 1 USB connection can provide. Google "What is a USB Y cable used for" for more info.Hope that helps
984014
Yes it comes with the power cable that plugs into a usb 2.0 slot. USB 3.0 needs extra power to function like it should. It will work without the extra power, but it won't give u true 3.0 performance.
2261999
You CAN power it up via the USB Port OR the external Power Adapter. Using the external Power Adapter allows the plugged in( tested or augmenting) hard drive to operate more efficiently, It's another step but worth the small effort. Product support recommend connecting it that way... so that's what I did. If you do likewise you should connect the Power Adapter BEFORE connecting the USB Cable.
1829324
I personally bought it specifically for usb 3.0 myself, though I really can't see much of a boost, even on hardcore downloads (GB in size). Then again, at some point it probably comes down to SATA write speed and buffer anyway. I did have some problems with powering it off the usb though, so make sure you have a solid motherboard(ports on back) and case (the ports on the front). If you start seeing it lose connection and have to replug it in, stop using that port immediately, because it ended up causing my device to fail. Which brings me to my next point, the warranty service was EXCELLENT. great customer support with amped. Enjoy your product :) I personally bought it specifically for usb 3.0 myself, though I really can't see much of a boost, even on hardcore downloads (GB in size). Then again, at some point it probably comes down to SATA write speed and buffer anyway. I did have some problems with powering it off the usb though, so make sure you have a solid motherboard(ports on back) and case (the ports on the front). If you start seeing it lose connection and have to replug it in, stop using that port immediately, because it ended up causing my device to fail. Which brings me to my next point, the warranty service was EXCELLENT.... » Read More I personally bought it specifically for usb 3.0 myself, though I really can't see much of a boost, even on hardcore downloads (GB in size). Then again, at some point it probably comes down to SATA write speed and buffer anyway. I did have some problems with powering it off the usb though, so make sure you have a solid motherboard(ports on back) and case (the ports on the front). If you start seeing it lose connection and have to replug it in, stop using that port immediately, because it ended up causing my device to fail. Which brings me to my next point, the warranty service was EXCELLENT. great customer support with amped. Enjoy your product :) « Show Less
1952224
I am not sure I understand your question...but this device works best with USB 3.0.
1035363
it is 3.0 but it comes with a separate USB cable to provide power if your using USB 2.0, so in that case you will need 2 USB ports. BTW USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are the exact same connector, USB 3.0 just provides more power.
1129224
you just plug the USB 3.0 into your USB port. Then you plug a network cable into the adapter.they mean there's no power adapter needed besides the power supplied from the USB port.
1127856
It is 3.0. I suspect the box image is from a previous model. Interesting note, the USB connection is split; 1 for USB 3 and 1 for power. If you plug into the USB 3.0 port you do not need to plug in the other connection for power. The USB 3.0 powers it just fine. The extra power connection is for 2.0 connections I believe.
355965
Mine came with what was described as a USB 3.0 cable. I don't have a USB 3.0 port, so I plugged it into one of my USB 2 ports, and it works just fine. I hope this is helpful to you.
1032311
I did not try this but I doubt that it could work. The USBs are: USB3 with blue for data and the other one, USB2 only for power. You can use another power source instead and the you will use only the USB3 for data.
2265526
Yes! that is exactly what I did, but you will only get USB 2.0 speeds I haven't had any problems with mine.
1903000
Mine shipped with a Y-cable, but I run with only one end plugged in, as my computer has USB 3.0 connectors. I also travel with a single outlet cable and use that with this drive with no issues on another laptop that only has USB 2.0 outlets - again, no problem. Your issue would probably be with USB 1.0 outlets on an older laptop.
2207307
This adapter uses USB 2.0 it can only draw 5 volts and no more, the answer use standard single USB cable, unless you have a future use for this Y cable, you may use the Y cable but don't connect the red one, it may shorten the life of your USB adapter. The Y cable is intended for devices which needs 9V like a CD drive, or external hard disk drives, etc...
843957
Negative, the USB 2.0 ports are simply for add on's. I use one for my mouse, and a second for my wireless air mouse when I'm reclining on my sofa in the office.
1724683
One connector of the 2-connector Y-design only transports power not data. As a matter of fact I'm not aware of a cable that allows you to do that.