External USB HD only works with a specific cable

[cpliu]

I have a refurbished Hitachi 2TB external HD. Before I had it replaced
(I broke the first one of the same model), it's fine with all the
cables I have. With the refurbished one, it only works with the cable
it comes with and not with any other cables. I noticed that the
working one appears to be tighter than others when connected. Is it
something wrong with the cable connection or it's only compatible with
certain cables? How can you tell if the cable is USB1, 2 compatible?

Thanks,

 

[Rod Speed]

cpliu wrote

I have a refurbished Hitachi 2TB external HD. Before I had
it replaced (I broke the first one of the same model), it's fine
with all the cables I have. With the refurbished one, it only
works with the cable it comes with and not with any other
cables. I noticed that the working one appears to be tighter
than others when connected. Is it something wrong with the
cable connection

Very likely.

or it's only compatible with certain cables?

Shouldnt be.

How can you tell if the cable is USB1, 2 compatible?

There isnt any easy way, but that shouldnt be the problem.

 

[Arno]

I have a refurbished Hitachi 2TB external HD. Before I had it replaced
(I broke the first one of the same model), it's fine with all the
cables I have. With the refurbished one, it only works with the cable
it comes with and not with any other cables. I noticed that the
working one appears to be tighter than others when connected. Is it
something wrong with the cable connection or it's only compatible with
certain cables? How can you tell if the cable is USB1, 2 compatible?

Well, in theory there is no difference between USB1 and USB2 cables.
in practice there is as checp USB1 cables will not fulfill the
specs. This may then still work with USB1 but usually not with USB2.
No visible difference though. Today cable compatibility should
not be an issue, unless you buy extremely cheap.

It is possible that the connector in the case was damaged on the
refurbished one and that the cable it comes with is, e.g.
bent in the same way as the connector, still giving good
contact, but all others are not.

Arno

 

[cpliu]

Thank you all for the help. I found later that the connection on HD is
a little bit loose. If I push the USB cable down (at where it's
connected to the HD), the HD would be recognized without any problems.
The cable they provided with the refurbished HD had tight connection
that it works right off. Not a perfect solution, but I at least I know
how to get it to work with a different cable.

 

[Rod Speed]

Thank you all for the help. I found later that the connection on HD is
a little bit loose. If I push the USB cable down (at where it's
connected to the HD), the HD would be recognized without any problems.
The cable they provided with the refurbished HD had tight connection
that it works right off. Not a perfect solution, but I at least I know
how to get it to work with a different cable.

Thanks for the washup, too rare IMO.