problems with imac usb 3 ports

Question

Level 1

10 points

problems with imac usb 3 ports

I am wondering if anyone has had a problem with the USB 3 ports on the new 21.5" iMac (late 2012) model. I have a WD USB 3 Hard Drive that as long as I plug into the first 3 USB ports (with the first being closest to the "stand" it works just fine. However, when I plug it into the 4th port (the one closest to the edge of the screen), the drive is never detected. The only difference I have identified is that the connector does not fully slide into the port like it does on the other 3. I don't need it immedleately, but was concerned this is a problem and wanted to see if anyone else has it?

Thanks,

Cary

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Dec 22, 2012 9:07 PM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,274 points

Dec 22, 2012 11:11 PM in response to cary99

Cary,

I'd recommend another brand of USB drive. WD enclosures are notorious to have many issues with Macs, while they are inexpensive they tend to simply not be worth it.

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 23, 2012 1:36 AM in response to cary99

I am wondering if the USB port looks like it does not slide in all the way due to the tapering of the new iMacs very thin sides. Does the port register other decices?

Reply

Answer 3

cary99 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 23, 2012 5:42 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Except it works just fine in the other 3 ports.

Reply

Answer 4

Dec 23, 2012 7:58 AM in response to cary99

Im not sure but on the back of the new iMac the side tapers a lot so does the USB port appears not to go in all the way due the the shape? Thats just a guess. However I was wondering if you can plug anything else into that USB port to see if the port is actually working, if its not you will need to take it to an Apple shop or contact Apple. Can you plug something else into that port and if so is it recognised, maybe a thumbdrive?

Reply

Answer 5

cary99 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 23, 2012 9:00 AM in response to killhippie

Yes I was able to try another external drive I have (USB 2) and it recognizes the device and is usable. Its adapter is going further in. I'm going to try to dismount the drive and see if there is a slight length issue between the adapters between the 2 cables.

Reply

Answer 6

Dec 23, 2012 9:13 AM in response to cary99

Odd that it fits the other ports 😕 It does sound like a USB lead issue though.

Reply

Answer 7

Dec 23, 2012 11:06 AM in response to killhippie

Maybe it does not have enough power to turn on the external HDD like the other 3 USB ports does.

Reply

Answer 8

cary99 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 23, 2012 11:10 AM in response to Colos2012

It was able to tun up the USB 2 drive without a problem. Thanks.

Reply

Answer 9

cary99 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 23, 2012 11:11 AM in response to killhippie

It looks like the adapter lead on this cable is about 1 mm longer than the others I have. Perhaps it's just enough to keep it from becoming a solid fit. Looks like I'm good though for anything in the port that's normal length.

Reply