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Do USB 3 & Thunderbolt external Hard Drives need separate power?
- Thread starter spinstorm
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If you buy something like the Western Digital MyBook 2TB 2.5" USB 3.0 drive, then no you don't need power. Very few, if any, laptop drives need power connected via Thunderbolt or USB 3.0.
I've been using that above 2TB drive with no problems, and also two Thunderbolt SSDs. No power cables.
No not if they are running SSD or laptop drives within. However, larger capacity drives which use 3.5" desktop drives will need external power.
Example here
Example here
not this one, 1TB though
http://store.apple.com/ca/product/H...usb-30-thunderbolt-series-hard-drive?fnode=5f
Some do, some don't.
There have been reports that some ssds running off bus power perform at less speed than if operating from a powered enclosure.
There have been reports that some ssds running off bus power perform at less speed than if operating from a powered enclosure.
http://www.amazon.com/Passport-Portable-External-Drive-Storage/dp/B005HMKKH4
Above is a portable (2.5") drive. To my knowledge 2TB is the largest portable drive available. They are found in laptops and don't require external power. on the other hand, desktop (3.5") drives needs power. That's generally the quick way to figure whether you need external power when you are shopping.
Above is a portable (2.5") drive. To my knowledge 2TB is the largest portable drive available. They are found in laptops and don't require external power. on the other hand, desktop (3.5") drives needs power. That's generally the quick way to figure whether you need external power when you are shopping.
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