External HDD with USB 3.0 - problems connecting

[alintatoc]

Hello everybody

I've purchased in January a Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCT500U3 HDD which has also USB 3.0. I have used the HDD several times with USB 3.0 but after 1 month of use, it did not connect any more to USB 3.0. Normally when the USB 3.0 was connected a blue LED was ON but now when I connect the HDD to the high speed USB the LED is not ON any more but I can hear that the HDD is working, but not starting in windows any more.

On the other hand, if I connect it to USB 2.0 it works normally.

Do you have any ideas what might cause this problem? Could it be possible that the HDD is broken?

Thanks in advance!

[jman98]

The disk drive inside is almost certainly SATA whereas USB is just the type of connector on the disk enclosure. I would not consider this to be a problem with the disk drive but rather a problem with the enclosure. I have no suggestions other than maybe to contact Buffalo customer support about this. It may still be under warranty.

[alintatoc]

The disk drive inside is almost certainly SATA whereas USB is just the type of connector on the disk enclosure. I would not consider this to be a problem with the disk drive but rather a problem with the enclosure. I have no suggestions other than maybe to contact Buffalo customer support about this. It of may still be under warranty.

I've purchased it from a big online retailer. They told me to send it back to them for a.replacement or repair but I am kind of puzzled whether it will be a good idea to get a replacement.

It is quite funny why the hdd is running but not opening in windows. Anyway...probably I.should send it in for a repair.

[aedipuss]

you might want to at least test your usb3 ports with another usb3 device to make sure the problem isn't with the computer before sending it back.

[alintatoc]

you might want to at least test your usb3 ports with another usb3 device to make sure the problem isn't with the computer before sending it back.

Unfortunately I don't have any other device working with usb 3.

[Moontrash]

I know the feeling. I have a Rosewill 358 with USB 3 and eSata and the USB 3 is spotty at best at working. The esata portion of the enclosure works fine but the USB 3 sometimes works..sometimes doesn't. To me it's the design on the board of the enclosure that's not to good. I can plug it into usb 2 or 3 ports and it's a crap shoot if windows will see it.

you might wanna see if you have the proper drivers installed...if that doesn't work...it's the enclosure itself

[alintatoc]

I know the feeling. I have a Rosewill 358 with USB 3 and eSata and the USB 3 is spotty at best at working. The esata portion of the enclosure works fine but the USB 3 sometimes works..sometimes doesn't. To me it's the design on the board of the enclosure that's not to good. I can plug it into usb 2 or 3 ports and it's a crap shoot if windows will see it.

you might wanna see if you have the proper drivers installed...if that doesn't work...it's the enclosure itself

As far as I remember I have the right drivers installed.

[Moontrash]

I've even tried plugging this USB 3 into a media player's USB 2 and it doesn't work. I can plug in an old ext encloser with USB 2 and it works fine. Personally I think it's the USB 3 controller. I really believe USB 3 wasn't ready for prime time. Can't understand why an old USB 2 enclosure works fine and the new great USB 3 doesn't. I stick with eSata. It works for me every time for me.

[alintatoc]

I've even tried plugging this USB 3 into a media player's USB 2 and it doesn't work. I can plug in an old ext encloser with USB 2 and it works fine. Personally I think it's the USB 3 controller. I really believe USB 3 wasn't ready for prime time. Can't understand why an old USB 2 enclosure works fine and the new great USB 3 doesn't. I stick with eSata. It works for me every time for me.

eSata meaning the internal ones right? the only reason why I've purchased this one is because of it's size, which is great for travelling.

[Moontrash]

no it's an external plugin like USB but much faster...it's basically the same speed as a normal SATA connection but in an external format...like this below



you need a bracket like this to be plugged into a spare SATA port in your motherboard and "AHCI" to be turned on in your BIOS to make it "hot swappable"...i.e....for you to just tun it on and off like USB

[alintatoc]

no it's an external plugin like USB but much faster...it's basically the same speed as a normal SATA connection but in an external format...like this below


[Attachment 11954 - Click to enlarge]

you need a bracket like this to be plugged into a spare SATA port in your motherboard and "AHCI" to be turned on in your BIOS to make it "hot swappable"...i.e....for you to just tun it on and off like USB

I will try to search for one, but let's see what I will do with this one that I have now. Hopefully I can get a refund and get a eSATA one.