Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - How do I know if I have USB 2.0 High Power?

cyrnel · 12-24-2004, 07:01 AM

Excellent present!

USB cannot harm USB. Plug it in. Depends on the system and which O/S but the worst you'll get is slow performance or popups telling you things suck.

Edit: Coffee is just now kicking in.

High Power just means it draws 100+mA. Most PC USB (1-2.0) interfaces can supply 500mA total. If it acts strangely or powers on and off repeatedly then remove other USB devices and see if it improves plugged directly into the PC.

Powered hubs will often supply up to 1A. Unpowered hubs supply frustration.

A High Speed USB 2.0 interface is almost as important as having enough power. At lower bitrates of 12 or even 1.5Mb/s it takes eons to move 1GB of music. If you run into this problem pick up a FireWire or USB 2.0 card. They go for ~$20. FireWire has a few advantages but if you aren't doing DV or networking it might not be worth your time.

12-24-2004, 07:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	Excellent present! USB cannot harm USB. Plug it in. Depends on the system and which O/S but the worst you'll get is slow performance or popups telling you things suck. Edit: Coffee is just now kicking in. High Power just means it draws 100+mA. Most PC USB (1-2.0) interfaces can supply 500mA total. If it acts strangely or powers on and off repeatedly then remove other USB devices and see if it improves plugged directly into the PC. Powered hubs will often supply up to 1A. Unpowered hubs supply frustration. A High Speed USB 2.0 interface is almost as important as having enough power. At lower bitrates of 12 or even 1.5Mb/s it takes eons to move 1GB of music. If you run into this problem pick up a FireWire or USB 2.0 card. They go for ~$20. FireWire has a few advantages but if you aren't doing DV or networking it might not be worth your time. Last edited by cyrnel; 12-24-2004 at 07:39 AM.. Reason: Sleeping