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    Hard Drive and AC Adapter question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ironwolf226, Sep 12, 2008.

  1. ironwolf226

    ironwolf226 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm building an external hard drive.

    I'm thinking of using the Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 HD 250GB - SATA 300 (ST3250410AS). It is a 3.5" form.

    How do I know if this hard drive will require an AC adapter as a part of its external enclosure?

    I want to be able to power my external hard drive via USB 2.0 or Firewire 1394a.
     
    ironwolf226, Sep 12, 2008
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  2. madoon

    madoon Notebook Consultant

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    to simplify thing overall
    3.5" external power supply
    2.5" no external power supply (USB power)
     
    madoon, Sep 12, 2008
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  3. ironwolf226

    ironwolf226 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks - total newbie trying to build her own external hard drive
     
    ironwolf226, Sep 12, 2008
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  4. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Stick with the AC Adapter. I don't think USB will be able to provide enough power. I think it is 500mA and 5V per port, and even if you use two ports simultaneously there still might not be enough power to run the 3.5" drive. (Check the datasheet of the HDD).

    And to supply power via firewire, you need a 6-pin firewire. And I guess 6-pin firewire also has similar power figures as USB, 4-pins for data transfer and 2-pins for 5V and Ground.
    I am not sure about firewire, but I do remember reading something about firewire voltage = 8V to 25/30V.
     
    Andy, Sep 12, 2008
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  5. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    3.5" drives require a 12 volt power source, so you will not be able to power a 3.5" drive off of USB.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Sep 12, 2008
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  6. ironwolf226

    ironwolf226 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I guess if I want either firewire 1394a or USB 2.0, then I should look at a 2.5" drive - I appreciate the help!

    Any suggestions on 2.5" drives? I'm leaning most towards a good Seagate if possible.
     
    ironwolf226, Sep 12, 2008
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  7. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    This states, Firewire 6-pin: 12.8V unregulated DC.


    Hitachi 5K320 and Seagate 5400.5
    Interface: eSATA ?
     
    Andy, Sep 12, 2008
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