ext-HDD not working with USB 3.0 cable

desmond13

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Hi,

I have noticed a rather strange problem. When I connect a USB 3.0 Flash drive (USB stick) to any USB 3.0 port on my PC it works perfectly, and it does operate at "superspeed" (in the device section it says "Connected to USB 3.0").

Now, if I connect my "Adata Nobility NH13" external HDD to my PC using a USB 3.0 cable, the HDD lights go on, but the PC doesn't recognize it. If I connect it to my PC using a USB 2.0 cable it works and it gives me a message "This device can perform faster if connected to usb 3.0".

The HDD does work with that cable with my Laptop (on a 3.0 port as well).

Help is much appreciated.
Thank you
 

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I would try another cable. On that particular port perhaps it just doesn't make the one connection. It could be one of those deals where the port connection for just that one contact is in spec but at the outer limit while that contact for the cable is in spec but at the opposite limit. I'm just guessing it's that kind of a fluke.

Someone more hardware savvy may chime in I'm dreaming or if it sometimes really happens.
 

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Does really nobody have any suggestion as to what I might try, other than buying a new cable ?
 

My Computer

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Hi there desmond13!


You have proven that the USB 3.0 port itself works, which is great. Also, you've proven that the drive can work on that port, but obviously with a certain cable.
This is a USB 3.0 portable device you have, but backward compatible allowing you to use it with a USB 2.0 cable and also to a USB 2.0 port. Of course, using the USB 3.0 cable with a USB 3.0 port would increase the transfer speed.
So far the conclusion can be one, you need to check your USB 3.0 cable, it's either too long, or defective or damaged. Try it on another device and then try a new USB 3.0 cable just like @MilesAhead suggested.
It's a harmless inexpensive option and you could be untroubled; as you said, the port and drive work. :)


Cheers!


CK_WD
 

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Hi there desmond13!


You have proven that the USB 3.0 port itself works, which is great. Also, you've proven that the drive can work on that port, but obviously with a certain cable.
This is a USB 3.0 portable device you have, but backward compatible allowing you to use it with a USB 2.0 cable and also to a USB 2.0 port. Of course, using the USB 3.0 cable with a USB 3.0 port would increase the transfer speed.
So far the conclusion can be one, you need to check your USB 3.0 cable, it's either too long, or defective or damaged. Try it on another device and then try a new USB 3.0 cable just like @MilesAhead suggested.
It's a harmless inexpensive option and you could be untroubled; as you said, the port and drive work. :)


Cheers!


CK_WD

Well, I did say that it works with my laptop with that exact cable on a 3.0 port. And the cable is not even 20 cm long.
Thx for the help, anyway :D
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise x64
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    Intel Core i7-4770
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z78-HD3
    Memory
    16GB (4x4GB) Kingston HyperX Beast Series XMP 1600MHz
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    Gigabyte GV-N770OC-2GD (GTX770)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG D2343
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    1920x1080p
    Hard Drives
    3.5'' 1TB WD Caviar Black WD1003FBXY 7200rpm 64MB
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    Seasonic S12II Bronze 620W
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I apologize if I have misread!
Still, it is clear that somewhat the connection between that certain cable and the HDD is malfunctioning,so if you are sure that the port and hard drive work, change the cable.
If not, then I suppose you could still use your external drive but with lower transfer speed.


Cheers! :)


CK_WD
 

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  • OS
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That's exactly what the problem is. All three part work. The Port, the HDD and the Cable all work.
That's why I'm asking the question here...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4770
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z78-HD3
    Memory
    16GB (4x4GB) Kingston HyperX Beast Series XMP 1600MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GV-N770OC-2GD (GTX770)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG D2343
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p
    Hard Drives
    3.5'' 1TB WD Caviar Black WD1003FBXY 7200rpm 64MB
    PSU
    Seasonic S12II Bronze 620W
    Case
    Thermaltake Urban S21
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper T4, 2x Thermaltake Case Coolers
    Keyboard
    Logitech K520
    Mouse
    Logitech M310
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    20 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chome (x64)
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    LG BH16NS40
As I mentioned, the parts may separately be working just fine, but there's obviously something wrong when your external drive is connected with the USB 3.0 cable you have.
The main difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 is the speed, the 3 is 10x faster than the 2, so here the cable's quality and length are of vital importance, since the rate of data transmission is so high. Now, your cable is definitely not too long, so here the demands for timing and data transfer shouldn't be affected.
But in such cases, it's the cable that didn't do quite well, in the sense of working together with that specific device, sometimes even on that specific port.
All of these cases are strange as it is not logical that a USB 3.0 cable can't load a USB 3.0 drive plugged into a USB 3.0 port.
So the easiest way to figure out if the problem is that certain cable doesn't work with that certain drive on that certain port, is to use a different cable. You could even try the Y type – 2 USB ends, one for power and data, and the other – power only.
The other thing you could do is to reinstall your USB drivers.
This is all that comes to mind, if after trying these two methods the issue still persists, please come back with more details to see what else we can do!


CK_WD
 

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That's exactly what the problem is. All three part work. The Port, the HDD and the Cable all work.
That's why I'm asking the question here...

That's why I mentioned everything may be in spec. But if a connector in the port is at one end of the range and a connector in the cable at the other, they may not make a solid connection. Every spec is a tolernce plus or minus some value. If the tolerance is too wide you can get a part that checks out "good" but it may not work with another for the reason I already gave.

Obviously the cable does not have an outright "open" or it wouldn't work with anything.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Think could be this possibility, driver issues with USB 3.0 Host controller or compatibility between Drive and OS. Would be good to know model and make of the drive for us. Check for any firmware updates, are any drivers being used for it that came with the drive. One i have is WD MyBook, meaning it usually works without this WD SES Driver comes with mine.

Read this from intel

http://http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/usb3/sb/CS-033962.htm
 

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