Power supplies of external HDDs

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rb99

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#279738 4-Nov-2020 20:43

Does anyone know if its possible to replace US power supplies for Seagate and WD external HDDs with local or international ones (were you can swap the pin arrangements). I was hoping to find things that are apparently 12V 3A, like this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Seagate-HDD-Honor-Electronic-ADS-40RJ-12-12V-3A-Adapter-Power-Supply-Plugs-/352798262540

but with more normal postage rates.

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Lias

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#2597902 4-Nov-2020 23:08

Do you need 3A?

I have a bunch of them floating around, most of them are this model: https://www.amazon.com/ADS-25D-12-12018E-Electronic-Switching-Expansion/dp/B07S25CS6M

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#2597959 4-Nov-2020 23:38

My ancient WD 3 TB external drive came with a KTec power pack, which seems to be just an off-the-shelf type brand. The drive enclosure has a normal cylindrical socket and if the power pack ever dies I expect I would be able to buy a replacement from Jaycar. I have never had any problems with the replacement power packs I have had to buy over the years for routers, access points, headphone amplifiers, ... As long as it has the right electrical specifications and the right plugs, it should be fine. My preferred buy for a replacement power pack is one that has multiple plug options and if possible, multiple voltages. I tend to only buy good ones as replacements, and they are often useful for something else when the original use is past, but only if they can plug into the new device. I really hate how appallingly bad the power packs supplied with some otherwise excellent products are.

rb99

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#2598144 5-Nov-2020 10:12

Lias:

Do you need 3A?

I have a bunch of them floating around, most of them are this model: https://www.amazon.com/ADS-25D-12-12018E-Electronic-Switching-Expansion/dp/B07S25CS6M

3 amp would be preferable as most of my drives are those Seagate ones that have the two usb connectors on the front, and they're 3 amp.

OTOH I also use some drives that are 1.5A, like the one you linked too, which I would also like to get, so I can get rid of the wobbly, bulky US/NZ adapters that I sometimes kick and disconnect as they're under the desk. So if you have a few you don't know what to do with or know of a source...

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hio77

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#2598154 5-Nov-2020 10:21

Shuck them, stick some capton tape in and your good to go.

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rb99

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#2598163 5-Nov-2020 10:33

hio77:

Shuck them, stick some capton tape in and your good to go.

I'm hoping to do that with two WD drive I bought, but the computer case is almost full already and I 'm hoping to get these power supplies more for the external usb backups.

(Have backups on Backblaze as well btw).

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#2598164 5-Nov-2020 10:35

rb99:

hio77:

Shuck them, stick some capton tape in and your good to go.

I'm hoping to do that with two WD drive I bought, but the computer case is almost full already and I 'm hoping to get these power supplies more for the external usb backups.

(Have backups on Backblaze as well btw).

time to upgrade the case, install a 5"-> 3.5" caddy or the likes then ;)

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rb99

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#2598181 5-Nov-2020 10:54

Oh well, got to stop (or slow down) somewhere. The Fractal R5 case is only about year old and has got 7 HDDs and two bluray drives in it so its staying put...

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tripper1000

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#2598316 5-Nov-2020 14:54

I have totally lost track of which 12v power supply is for what HDD/Router/Switch/Battery Charger and just grab any for my Ext HDD's. The power supplies are mix of 1.5 amp, 2 amp and 2.5 amp and I haven't had any trouble using 1.5's on the HDD.

rb99

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#2598336 5-Nov-2020 15:34

tripper1000:

I have totally lost track of which 12v power supply is for what HDD/Router/Switch/Battery Charger and just grab any for my Ext HDD's. The power supplies are mix of 1.5 amp, 2 amp and 2.5 amp and I haven't had any trouble using 1.5's on the HDD.

I think every HDD I have used 1.5A, until I acquired several (then several more) of these -

https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-External-Desktop-Photography-STEL10000400/dp/B0798DVKRV/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=10tb&qid=1604543485&sr=8-9

which seems to want 3A.

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richms

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#2598431 5-Nov-2020 19:34

The dual drive ones take more power, so lots of times they will bundle with those higher power ones even for a single drive external. I have had anything between 1.5A and 3A ones come with the externals I get off amazon, sometimes US plug only, sometimes all the other ends as well which are swappable and create a lot of pointless waste.

Ive never bothered to source replacements, just got a universal powerstrip that takes all plugs and use that on the drives before I shuck them to test them out.

Richard rich.ms

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#2598432 5-Nov-2020 19:35

rb99:

I think every HDD I have used 1.5A, until I acquired several (then several more) of these -

https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-External-Desktop-Photography-STEL10000400/dp/B0798DVKRV/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=10tb&qid=1604543485&sr=8-9

which seems to want 3A.

Will be to allow for the USB downstream ports on those ones. Thats another 20 watts or so that you could end up pulling from the adapter.

Richard rich.ms