GoFlex, GoFlex Desk, GoFlex Pro, GoFlex Slim, & GoFlex Turbo

[seaclient]

...But it does appear on the USB 2.0 port.    The USB 3.0 port I am using (an express card to USB 3.0 port on a Lenovo laptop) works fine with my 3 Tb Seagate Expansion External Drive (P/N 9SEAN3-500).   I recently purchased the ultraportable 1.5 Tb Goflex FreeAgent, and when it's USB 3.0 plug is inserted into the USB 3.0 port, it doesn't show up on "My Computer", - moreover, after a few moments the drive light begins to noticably flash, (but not the slow-flash characteristic of normal useage).

The Goflex, however, does work fine on a USB 2.0 port.    I don't think the USB 3.0 port is the problem since it works just fine with the Seagate Expansion Drive.   Why doesn't the Goflex work on the same port?   It is advertised as a USB 3.0 drive.

(The only thing I could think of was that maybe it had something to do with the fact that the Expansion Drive has its own power supply while the Goflex depends on power from the USB 3.0 port only.   Or maybe something to do with the USB 3.0 implementation on the ExpressCard?   Frankly, I am at a loss here.)

Any ideas?   Thanks in advance...

[seaclient]

PS:  I just noticed the express card adapter (for USB 3.0) has an additional power supply port, but the card did not actually come with a power supply.   (USB 3.0 adapter card: Bytecc BTU-EC200).   So I'm thinking maybe its a lack-of-sufficient-power issue, but can anyone with better knowledge of the Goflex FreeAgent 1.5 confirm this?

The Bytecc website only briefly mentions the optional power supply port, but doesn't say exactly when it might be needed other than, "Supports External power plug in order to supplying power for each USB 3.0 connector up to 900mA MAX/port".   The company does not offer a power supply for the card itself, (and none came bundled with the card), so how necessary is supplemental power for USB 3.0 devices, in particular, the FreeAgent Goflex 1.5 TB?

[seaclient · Accepted solution]

Fixed.   On a gamble power was the issue, I visited a local electronics store and purchased a switching 5V 3A power supply and connector to match the connector on the 2-port USB 3.0 card.     The FreeAgent Goflex now works on the USB 3.0 port.    Unfortunately, having to carry around an extra power supply defeats the purpose of buying the GoFlex in the first place, since it seemed to be sold as a drive without need of a separate power supply.

Well at least it works on USB 3.0, and the difference between a 4 hour and 6 hour backup is pretty noticeable.

Solution:  a separate power supply.

[kenji57]

Hi Seaclient, thanks for the tip.

Which drive are you using? I have a 500GB freeagent Goflext ultraportable drive. My laptop has a built in USB 3.0 port and I haven't had any problems, which is lucky as I don't have an option for extra power.

I didn't know they made a 1.5TB Ultraportable and on the Seagate site there is no mention of it http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/ ; largest is 750GB.

A google search did show a Seagate Freeagent 1.5TB - 5.0 Gbps (USB 3.0) which looks the same, but buyers are going to be very disappointed if they expect 5Gbps.