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snerkler

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 14, 2012
1,176
171
I currently have two 2TB hard drives permanently plugged into my iMac retina (one for time machine, one as a secondary drive) but have other external drives and accessories that I plug in from time to time and , due to the awkward placement of the USB ports, would like to use a USB hub for easier access.

Does the iMac have enough power to run an unpowered USB hub running two further 2TB hard drives or should I get powered? If I get powered do they have an on/off switch or do you have to unplug them every time you turn the computer off (this would be a real PITA as my surge protect extension cable doesn't have individual switches). Or can I just leave the hub powered on permanently?

Any advice appreciated.
 
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