External HDD vs. retractable USB cable

My current cable is wearing through so I was going to buy a new one when I stumbled upon one of those retractable USB cables (male to male).


At the length of 0,5m – 1m it is much considerably more convenient to use and carry around than normal USB cable of the same length.

However, it is also much thinner and hence my question – is it suitable for external 2.5 HDD?
My old cable provided both connectivity and power for my HDD and I expect the same from the new one. Also, it would be nice if the transfer rates don’t decrease.

 

It might work. However, I would first be worried that the wires are a little thinner and cause enough voltage drop to prevent the HDD from running properly. Then there is the risk of lower signal quality and reduced data transfer rates. I have this type of cable, but normally use only for charging external devices.

I would suggest you get a normal USB cable for HDD usage.

John

 

How will you connect the HDD using that cable ?

 

External 2.5 enclosure, obviously.

 

What I meant was, that you normally need a USB Type-A Male to USB Mini 5-pin Male Cable, and what you've got is a USB Type-A Male to Type-A Male -- So you've got some special enclosure that has a USB Type-A Female port on it ?

 

I think Andy means you normally need a "B" plug not an "A" plug?

 

I believe for a HDD enclosure one would need a cable like this.

Yeah, mini-B

 

Nope, this is one of those cheap Chinese pieces of aluminium and it comes with a USB A Female port.

 

I think cable length matters more than cable thickness. If it has the female type-A USB, the cable will connect and work. But do you already have the enclosure, or are you buying it just to use that cable ?
(I just saw the above cable for like $1.50 )

IMO, I would stick with the traditional thick USB cable, or you could go for a slightly better quality, Belkin Retractable USB cable adapter, which are recommended for HDDs.

Cheaping out on the enclosure and cable, may not be good for the HDD.

 

This enclosure is working fine since over a year. I need to replace the cable due to wear and tear, which is caused mostly buy its "bulkiness".
I already ordered the retractable one for ~6 bucks (including postage). The money/risk ratio was too low not to try.

 

UPDATE:

Well, I got the cable and it works just fine. I run HDTACH few times and both cables produce same results.

 

those retractable cables dont last...they start wearing out and then u start getting problems.

avoid them for HDD.

 

I've been using a cheap enclosure for about 1.5 years and have yet to have a problem. The technology is pretty simple. But I agree that the cable may be a liability in the long run.