|
If you don't have sufficient power, your drive might not work, it might work but not properly ..
If your drive is able to take as much power as it wants from the USB port, but the USB port wasn't designed for that power conusumption, it is possible to damage the USB port and / or motherboard.
I have a USB 2.5" adapter which I yet have to check out because specs for USB 2.0 say 150mA, whilst the drive says 700mA.
I have had reassurances though that using the split cable with extra "dummy" USB connector gives more than enough current to let the USB drive work. Since the drive is sitting inside my laptop and I haven't had time to remove it and check it out .. I am still on standby.
Some motherboards do warn that the USB connectors which are on-board are current limited whilst others connected to pins on the mainboard and require USB harnesses or front panel cables & connectors are not protected.
I would refer to your motherboard manual to see what type you have and what you are using. There was a high power version of the USB port ... but that is as far as my research has taken me so far.
|