Using all USB ports on a laptop

Ivanndroid

Member
Member
Messages
61
Is it bad to use all USB ports on a laptop simultaneously? Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    i7
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia
    Browser
    Chrome, IE
    Antivirus
    Norton
I rarely do it myself. Kind of depends how bad you're loading the ports power wise. A pen drive barely uses anything while having 4 USB hard drives plugged in at the same time is a bit different. I personally wouldn't load all ports to the max at one time. A hard drive, mouse and pen drive should be no problem.

The laptop should be designed to handle max power on all ports but at the very least it will put a heavy load on the 5v power bus and warm things up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
One can purchase an AC-powered [for powering certain USB devices] 4-port or 7-port USB box. Laptop users can benefit from buying and using an external ac or usb powered notebook cooling assembly [having either one giant fan or twin fans].
Addendum: I mention cooling assembly 'cause some, while taking up one laptop usb port, come with 4 extra usb ports. Lose one, gain three.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro 64bit [MS blue-disk set]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Acers & 1 Antec[?]
    CPU
    i7 in 2 Acers, i5 in desktop
    Motherboard
    Desktop w/Gigabyte
    Memory
    Two w/16GB, 1 w/8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Laptops GameWorthy; Desktop maybe GameWorthy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    flatscreens; 2 are BluRay worthy
    Screen Resolution
    1368x768; 1600x900
    Hard Drives
    1TB internals; 2 ext usb WD 1TB HDs
    PSU
    what's PSU?
    Cooling
    Regular plus external fans
    Keyboard
    desktio w/PS2
    Mouse
    desktop w/PS2
    Internet Speed
    DSL middle level [160?]
    Browser
    from Netscape 0.9 to FF 36
    Antivirus
    well-balanced, well-configured mult-layered defense is best
    Other Info
    From MS-DOS 3.3, MS-DOS 6.22, from Windows 3.1 to WFW 3.11 to Windows 95-98SE, now to Windows 7 Pro.
    Security for now: Windows 7 Firewall, Emsisoft AM, MSE [scan-only], SpywareBlaster, Ruiware/BillP combine
I have used all the USB ports on Notebooks at times but not constantly, most time a USB mouse and an External USB HDD that required 2 ports, one for power and data and the other for additional power. The MacBooks I've dealt with and mine have only 2 ports, rely upon Bluetooth for a mouse and a larger keyboard when desired.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinXP, WinVista, Win7, Win8.1, Win10, Linux Mint 20
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Customs and 12 OEM/Brands
    CPU
    AMD and Intel
Is it bad to use all USB ports on a laptop simultaneously? Thanks
That extremely generalized question is impossible to answer with a specific answer. There are too many variables. To start, what is the current draw of the connected devices? And are all the notebook's USB ports powered via the same internal USB hub?

As noted, a keyboard and mouse will present a tiny, almost negligible load. But external hard drives that don't have separate power supplies put a heavier load on the port - especially when first spinning up. A cooling pad with fans that get power via the USB port will put a heavier load on the port too.

Ideally, every USB port on the notebook should be designed to support any single device. And by single, I don't mean a hub where multiple devices are then connected to the hub (unless, the hub has its own power supply). But not all notebooks are created equal and I would be leery of loading up a budget notebook.

And for sure, the more devices you have powered through the notebook's USB ports WILL place a bigger demand on the battery and decrease battery run time. And demanding devices will also result in higher heat inside the notebook, always a concern with notebooks. For that reason alone, when it comes to cooling pads, I always recommend getting one that has its own power supply. Sadly, many have fans powered through the USB port, which seems a bit counterproductive to me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
For that reason alone, when it comes to cooling pads, I always recommend getting one that has its own power supply. Sadly, many have fans powered through the USB port, which seems a bit counterproductive to me.
Yeah, it is really amazing what is done in the name of portability.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinXP, WinVista, Win7, Win8.1, Win10, Linux Mint 20
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Customs and 12 OEM/Brands
    CPU
    AMD and Intel
Just get one of these:

desktop_portable_computer.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
I always replace the HDDs with SSD in my laptops. That reduces the heat too. On the first laptop where I did that I had used it for couple of years with the HDD and it always ran very hot. The heat pad (with wall power) helped some but not much. But when I switched the disk to a SSD, the heat problem disappeared.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
Yeah, it is really amazing what is done in the name of portability.
True, but then IMO, there is no such thing as a "desktop replacement" notebook! Or for that matter a good "gaming notebook". They can sure pack the horsepower in notebooks, but even full sized PC cases can be challenged to provide adequate cooling for "serious" gaming rigs.

But your point is valid. Road warriors (the primary intended notebook users) needs portability in terms of the number of pieces and weight. You start adding cooling pads, external drives, portable routers, portable modems, portable printers, a mouse and cables, and you need a separate suitcase just for your notebook and accessories.

I always replace the HDDs with SSD in my laptops.
SSDs are the way to go.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Back
Top