Hardware Should I use a USB Y-cable, or is it a problem with my external hard drive?

[6adget]

I have explained to you why powering it with a y cable is not a good idea. If you still want to do that then good luck. I really don't understand why people ask for help and suggestions when they are not going to listen. I spent time out of my day to try and find the best solution for you, and to also write up a long and thorough reason why you shouldn't use a y cable to supply power. maybe you will be lucky and not damage your usb board in your wii u. a lot of people get away with it. That said, I have repaired several that had burnt resistors due to using a Y cable and the usb hdd had tried to pull too much amps. I'm done.

 

[MushGuy]

I have explained to you why powering it with a y cable is not a good idea. If you still want to do that then good luck. I really don't understand why people ask for help and suggestions when they are not going to listen. I spent time out of my day to try and find the best solution for you, and to also write up a long and thorough reason why you shouldn't use a y cable to supply power. maybe you will be lucky and not damage your usb board in your wii u. a lot of people get away with it. That said, I have repaired several that had burnt resistors due to using a Y cable and the usb hdd had tried to pull too much amps. I'm done.

Um, I never said I would use a Y-cable; I said I would use something like this for the external power (as seen in some of the candidates, the second cable they include for external power connects to USB, but I DON'T plan to use it on the console):

Of course, I have to make sure it supports 2.1 amps.

But yeah, I will consider using your suggestion at Amazon.

 

[6adget]

Um, I never said I would use a Y-cable; I said I would use something like this for the external power (as seen in some of the candidates, the second cable they include for external power connects to USB, but I DON'T plan to use it on the console):

Of course, I have to make sure it supports 2.1 amps.

But yeah, I will consider using your suggestion at Amazon.

I apologize. Yes, as long as it supports that many amps you are good to go. Had a long day so far. I usually do not act that way, so I am sorry about what I said.

 

[BORTZ]

I had issues with my toshiba self powered until I got a Y cable. The Wii U doesnt have the balls to run one by itself, it seems.

 

[godreborn]

try this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sabrent-USB...543697?hash=item3ac2471d91:g:abgAAOSwrXdXJ3mp

it has the enclosure and ac adapter. I have coming up on nine of those hdd enclosures for wd, seagate, and hitachi. u shouldn't have any problems. my virtual wii is using one actually. my wii u is still a y cable which is fine by itself. I've never had any issue there either with wd elements 2TB drive.

 

[MushGuy]

Oh, I just thought of something. I happen to have a bigger external USB drive with external power that I used to have connected to my old Wii, so what I'm planning to do is transfer all of the files from that HDD to my portable HDD, and then plug the former to my Wii U. I'm still ordering a new enclosure for my portable HDD, because the SimpleSave enclosure that I have doesn't work well with my Wii (occasional spindowns), and hopefully the new enclosure should work properly without the spindowns. Besides, if I'm not wrong, the Wii's USB ports should have enough power for self-powered portable external HDDs, is that right (my Simplesave drive DID work after all, spindowns aside)? Correct me if I'm wrong. If so, then I'll have to still order recommended enclosure with external power.

And done, My big HDD is now my new Wii U external HDD, and my games now load faster! Now to look for a spindown-free enclosure.

Edit: Any recommendations for a spindown-free enclosure?

 

[thorasgar]

I don't have a recommendation of an enclosure but if you want to keep the power saving off that can be accomplished in settings. This explains how to do it.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/20...ard_drive_performance_by_disabling_sleep_mode

 

[Captain_N]

This is why i use a 128gb flash drive.......

 

[godreborn]

I've never had a problem with my setup (y-cable), and I bought all of my games digitally, so it's always in use. I mostly game on the wii u, so it's had hundreds of hours worth of use. I've never had it disconnect or anything. u should be fine with a y cable.