How to evaluate a harddisk's power only with the information printed on it?

cricketlong · 09-26-2011, 12:47 PM

As mentioned in the title.

macemoneta · 09-26-2011, 01:23 PM

Every drive I've seen has the power requirements printed on the label. For example,

5VDC 0.77A
12VDC 0.45A

To get the wattage, multiply voltage by amperage:

5*.77=3.85W
12*.45=5.4W

qlue · 09-26-2011, 03:15 PM

To my knowledge, unless a hard drive uses some odd custom interface, all hard drives can be run with a 12V and a 5V rail. Sata power connectors include a 3.3V connection for use with embedded equipment that does not have a 5V rail. But a 2.5" Sata drive should work with either option.
Of course, we are assuming that the OP is asking about electrical power consumption and not something else.

macemoneta · 09-26-2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qlue

Of course, we are assuming that the OP is asking about electrical power consumption and not something else.

When the question is amazingly vague, the answer is the responder's choice.

jefro · 09-26-2011, 03:59 PM

I'd put an amp meter on it for instantaneous readings and use a watt meter for longer times.