HDD Caddy, why 2 connectors on USB cable ?

DiscoKandy · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:10

Hi,

I bought a cheapy 2.5" HDD caddy for an old SATA disk, does anyone know why it has 2 USB connectors on the cable ?

As in the cable comes out of the caddy and splits into two USB plugs for connection into a USB port....

Mark

Tomsk · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:16

USB only provides a maximum of 500mA per port.
It has two USB ports because some HDDs need more.

DiscoKandy · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:21

I see, cheers!

How will i know if mine needs more than 500mA ? presumebaly it just won't start ?

Tomsk · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:25

The HDD you install should have a label on it that tells how much power it needs. It's that plus whatever the controller circuit in the caddy needs.

Tealc · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:43

You've nothing to lose by plugging both in. One will probably gave no data terminal connection and just be there for the extra current.

Hagar · 8 Aug 2011 at 20:49

Generally connecting to a desktop will only require one, if plugged into a laptop you will almost certainly need both.

andy

Justintime · 9 Aug 2011 at 05:01

You'll know when the drive just clicks and can't spin up.