Do portable USB powered HDDs work with WD TV Live?

WD Legacy Products WD TV Media Player
1

As above really, looking to get a new hard drive for storage and wondered whether the WD TV Live has enough juice to supply a 2tb 2.5" USB powered HDD reliably or whether i’d have to go for a 3.5" externally powered one? Are HDD sizes limited to 2Tb in order to be recognised by the WD TV Live box?

Thans in advance!

2

you might get lucky, but generally no

the WD is already such a low power device, it will ususally not be able to provide enough power for a usb powered drive to be stable

and often they will not even spin up at all

3

They work great if you hook them up to a powered use hub, then the hub to the WD. That’s what I did. You can pick up a 4 port powered hub for under 20 bucks on Amazon.

4

Actually, I’ve been using bus powered drives exclusively since 2011 and the still worked fine. I own some WD passports (largest is USB 3, 1 TB) and also tried Intenso, Verbatim and some others without any issues.

5

I’m quite surprised by this, but that’s a good thing

6

I’m using a 2TB Toshiba STOR.E.PLUS  - works perfectly, I’m pleased to say, powered via a latest version WDTV.

Hope this helps.

7

Vey helpful - thanks everyone! Will look to get a portable drive (and perhaps a powered hub).