What type of USB 3 connector?

Ordered a replacement.

If it isn't a cable problem, how can I test the HDD health? I only have a macbook so can't stick it in a desktop.

May need to buy a new HD enclosure but don't want to without testing the drive is fine first.
 
Last edited:
In a pinch, that type of connector is designed to work with the older USB2 A-B cables (like this one - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ocuk-value-1.5m-a-b-usb-printer-cable-cdl-102-cb-011-ok.html ). Obviously, it will only work at USB2 speed rather than USB3, and some devices won't work/receive enough power through it, but for a simple externally powered drive enclosure I would expect it to work if you want to try it without having to buy another USB3 cable.

If you do end up wanting to buy a USB3 A-B cable, try your local Poundland/Family Bargains shop as I found both local ones to me had USB3 A-B cables in stock at a pound each (I was in there buying more cans of air duster and iPhone charging cables for the kids to use/break).

EDIT - too late, just seen your reply about ordering one.
 
Confused Stu said:
In a pinch, that type of connector is designed to work with the older USB2 A-B cables (like this one - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ocuk-value-1.5m-a-b-usb-printer-cable-cdl-102-cb-011-ok.html ). Obviously, it will only work at USB2 speed rather than USB3, and some devices won't work/receive enough power through it, but for a simple externally powered drive enclosure I would expect it to work if you want to try it without having to buy another USB3 cable.

If you do end up wanting to buy a USB3 A-B cable, try your local Poundland/Family Bargains shop as I found both local ones to me had USB3 A-B cables in stock at a pound each (I was in there buying more cans of air duster and iPhone charging cables for the kids to use/break).

EDIT - too late, just seen your reply about ordering one.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I ordered a cheap USB3 one online, only £2 so not too bad.
 
R-evans said:
The power light comes on and the disk boots up (can hear spinning) but my laptop and others I've tested it in just dont recognise it anymore.
Click to expand...

Could be the controller chip in the caddy has died or something gone on the PCB inside it. It also could be a failed disk, the only way to tell is by by plugging it in with another hard disk or using a different caddy with the same hard drive.
 
Update on this, not sure if anybody can recommend anything else?

Got the replacement lead, still not working. Managed to plug it in to a Windows desktop (in the same casing, with the same lead) and it recognises it straight away.

It shows the disk as empty but I am guessing that is because the only thing on the disk is Mac Time Machine back-ups, so windows probably cant read them?

I think my Mac stopped recognising the hard drive when I updated to El Capitan, could this be the issue? And what could be a possible fix?

Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom