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Level 1

8 points

USB Type C to Type A conversion

Hi all. I have just bought a Seagate Innov8 USB powered hard drive. The Innov8 only has a USB 3.1 Type C output and my Mac Mini only has USB 2.0 Type A inputs. I have connected them using converter but the Seagate red light stays on , indicating low battery, and the Seagate drive does not appear in Finder. Is there some technical issue here I am not aware of, or is it likely the Seagate drive is broken? USB is backwardly compatible, but is it possible the Mac Mini isn't providing enough power to the Seagate

Thanks for any help.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on May 2, 2016 7:08 AM

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lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

Posted on May 2, 2016 8:08 AM

What model Mini?

What specific "converter"?

Yes, some USB ports do not provide sufficient power. The USB 3/3.1specs require the port provide more power than a USB 2 port.

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21 replies

PhilipAC Author

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2016 11:21 AM in response to Lanny

Oh dear! I feel pretty silly. I meant Thunderbolt, not Lightning!

So is there a Thunderbolt/USB Type C converter, and would it help me if there were?

I suspect the answer is no. Maybe I need to wait for a Mac computer that has a Type C input, with a big enough screen to act as a house computer.

May 2, 2016 12:15 PM in response to PhilipAC

I don't believe a TB to USB-C converter exists in that way.

I think as others have said, that the best bet, is to return the Innov 8, and get a drive that connects to your computer correctly.

PhilipAC Author

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2016 2:01 PM in response to Phil0124

Guys

Thank you all for your help and patience.

I have decided that I really fancy a USB powered 8Tb HD for my music files back up. So I am going to hang on to my Innov8 and delay updating my Mac Mini until Apple come up with a Mac Mini or iMac that has a Type C output, which I don't think will be long.

Thanks again

Philip

lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

May 2, 2016 2:16 PM in response to PhilipAC

It may be a long time. The advantage of a the type c is that one port can do many things with the right adopter(s).

The is very desirable for a portable like a MacBook since it can be smaller and lighter..

However, for a desktop it is really an advantage since you then have to have the adopters to fully utilize a desktop which dies not have to be small and light.

May 3, 2016 3:01 AM in response to Phil0124

This Seagate drive has a 3.5" hard drive. A USB2 port or even a standard USB3 port (Type A) only provides enough power for a 2.5" laptop style hard drive and not a 3.5" desktop style hard drive.

Therefore there is no way to run this drive solely using a USB cable with a Mac mini. It should work with the MacBook 12" but so far no other Mac models have a USB3 Type C connector.

See http://www.seagate.com/gb/en/about-seagate/news/seagate-launches-worlds-first-us b-powered-master-pr/

and Innov8 Product Page

PhilipAC Author

Level 1

8 points

May 3, 2016 3:56 AM in response to John Lockwood

Thanks John. I think all is now clear to me.

I will shortly be replacing my old Mac Mini with either a new one or a new iMac. I am hoping Apple add a Type C USB 3.1 port to one of these before I buy.

USB Type C to Type A conversion