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Thread ID: 114371 2010-11-30 08:31:00 Do I need a powered USB hub? Renmoo (66) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1157564 2010-11-30 08:31:00 Hiya all,

If I want to connect a bluetooth adaptor, a wireless mouse receiver, a 56k modem and a USB stick used for the purpose of ReadyBoost to a USB hub, do I need to make sure that the hub is powered by an external power source?

Another question that I have got is that even if the hub is powered, to what extent would the data transfer rate be affected?

Cheers :)
Renmoo (66)
1157565 2010-11-30 08:33:00 It may help but not all USB devices work properly with hubs Speedy Gonzales (78)
1157566 2010-11-30 08:38:00 Which ones in particular, Speedy? Renmoo (66)
1157567 2010-11-30 08:45:00 Any USB device. I cant be more specific Speedy Gonzales (78)
1157568 2010-11-30 08:52:00 My USB/Bluetooth adaptor doesn't like Hubs to much. It does work, but it works better if its plugged directly into the PC. wainuitech (129)
1157569 2010-11-30 08:52:00 I wouldn't put a readyboost device on a hub, will have to share bandwidth with everything else on the hub slowing it down. gcarmich (10068)
1157570 2010-11-30 18:47:00 And if you're bothering with ReadyBoost, make sure it's a high performance USB drive, not a cheapy. inphinity (7274)
1157571 2010-11-30 21:03:00 try it, if it works without power then no prob. You won't hurt anything by giving a go.
If not enough power is available some devices may not work, or maybe all of them.

One question though, why so many devices in a hub?? most pc's have plenty of ports available, even laptop's these days typically have about 4
dugimodo (138)
1157572 2010-11-30 22:47:00 Thanks all for the replies.

I think I will plug in the ReadyBoost USB drive to a regular port instead to the hub, as per the suggestion made in this page.

For now, I will get an unpowered USB hub and plug in my wireless adaptors and the 56k modem and see how it goes.

The reason I am in need of a hub is because I have an external HDD that uses up two USB ports, thus leaving me with only two USB ports left.
Renmoo (66)
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