question about the hdd in my desktop

How do i find out if my hdd has 2.5"/3.5" sata cables ?About my hdd :
I have seen a sata data cable to it but there os no sata power cable ,but instead the power cable is a external one which comes from the psu.I need this to buy a sata to usb cable.

sata is sata whether the disk is 2.5" or 3.5" form factor,. the cables are no different. power and data are always separate cables.

So if i buy any sata to usb converter then it will work with my hdd ?

It should, but make sure you know which USB you have on the target device, i.e. 2.0 or 3.0, etc. as it could effect performance.

it will need power from a separate source.

If he buys a "cable set", it should already be provided.

Prectorian · #4It should, but make sure you know which USB you have on the target device, i.e. 2.0 or 3.0, etc. as it could effect performance.

i know. So I have decided to buy : http://www.amazon.in/USB-3-0-SATA-Adapter-Laptop/dp/B01B4U40XC?tag=googinhydr18418-21

Replying to #7

Actually Loonylion was suggesting you buy a set that has external power source, like this set:

But then again, it depends on the purpose. If just to transfer data, what you've chosen should suffice.

Neon32 · #7i know. So I have decided to buy : http://www.amazon.in/USB-3-0-SATA-Adapter-Laptop/dp/B01B4U40XC?tag=googinhydr18418-21

that won't work on a 3.5" (desktop) drive, it won't be able to supply enough power.

Replying to #9

That's true it won't, because what he chooses was labelled for SATA 2.5" HDD.

labelling doesn't matter, its the fact it draws its power from USB which cant provide enough for a 3.5" hard disk.

Let's see if I get this right;
A 2.5" HDD requires 5Watt to run which is what a USB 2.0 delivers.
A 3.5" HDD requires 5Watt to start up but needs an additional 12-14Watt to actually run.But I think if one of the cables is a FireWire which can deliver 45Watt (for power supply) and a USB 2.0 (for data transfer), it should suffice just as well. Then again that is if his hardware (pc/laptop) got a FireWire port on it, else no point talking about it.Ultimately, up to now we don't actually know if Neon32 intent to use that cable for a 2.5" or 3.5". If for the later, then yes, it won't suffice.

USB is 5v 500mA for a data cable or 1A for power only.neither of the cables is firewire, and laptop firewire ports dont usually carry power anyway. (4pin doesn't carry power, 6 pin does)

The one he chooses doesn't have FireWire, it's only USB 3.0 and 2.0. That should deliver 10V right? That should be enough for a 2.5" SATA HDD data transfer. Of cause heavy duty tasks will be a no go without extra juice.

Replying to #14

no its still only 5V, just potentially up to 1.5A

I do intend to use this for a 3.5" but it seems that ones with usb 3.0 are really expensive, so im currently searching for a affordable model.I'll post it here once i find one .