Only the 3.5-inch external hard drive does not work on the Mini PC.

ktu019

I am currently using Mini PC S12 Pro.

I'm trying to connect the external hard drive to the USB port of the MiniPC.
The 2.5-inch external hard drive works well, but only the 3.5-inch external hard drive does not work. (The external hard drive light comes on, but there is no response inside the PC.)
Mini PC uses a 12V 3A power adapter,
The 3.5-inch external hard drive used a 12V 2A power adapter.

Has anyone experienced the same symptoms?

For reference, the 3.5-inch external hard drive is WD Elements 16TB.

tuiguang16

Hello there,

Thanks for your letter and sorry for the late reply.

16TB is too big, this mini pc can not run this 3.5-inch SSD because of the lack of power supply。
May I ask you that have you power to your 3.5" hard drive via other power supply?

Looking forward to your feedback so that we can help you better.

Davent

I had an S12 with similar problem it could not power external drives nor my Uperfect external 14" monitor and was really not fit for purpose so I returned it and bought an EQ12 for £202, (not much more expensive), in the Black Friday sales. This now comes with a 19 volt 3.42amp power supply which equates to 65 watts as distinct from the 36 watts 12 volt supply of the s12.  This made a huge difference and it now powers everything I can throw at it. Hope this helps.

ktu019

Davent replied at 2023-11-29 05:06
I had an S12 with similar problem it could not power external drives nor my Uperfect external 14" mo ...

Thank you for your reply.
So, the reason the 3.5-inch external hard drive does not work in S12 Pro but works in EQ12 is because the voltage of S12 power supply is too weak?! (S12 is 12V, EQ12 is 19V)

Davent

ktu019 replied at 2023-11-29 15:17
Thank you for your reply.
So, the reason the 3.5-inch external hard drive does not work in S12 Pro ...

It does not work because there is not enough current (Watts) which is a combination of amperage and voltage. The formula volts x amps =watts, current applies.  The SD12 uses 12 volts 3 amps = 36 watts. The original  EQ12 also used this same power supply,  but this has changed just recently and they are now providing the EQ12 with a 19 volt 3.42 Amp which equals 64.8 watts (I have one) which is considerably more than 36 watts. The 12 volt supply barrel connector fits but no longer works in the latest EQ12, I know because I have tried it.  Beelink have kept quiet about this power supply upgrade, possibly they don't want to admit that it was previously underpowered and therefore do not yet show it in their advertising. Beelink however have a wonderful product at a budget price and I applaud them. Hope this helps you. Kind regards.

ktu019

Davent replied at 2023-11-29 16:59
It does not work because there is not enough current (Watts) which is a combination of amperage an ...

Thank you very much for providing a solution.

S12 Pro uses 12V 3A. But is it possible to connect a 19V 3.42A power supply adapter? (Will it be the right size?)
the S12 Pro operates at 12V 3A. Will there be any problems such as overload even if it operates at 19V?
How do I make S12 Pro work with 19V 3.42A power supply?

tuiguang16

Sorry, MINIS12 PRO can not use 19V 3.42A power supply.
Hope it can help you and have a nice day!

tuiguang16

Thanks for your sharing, hope it can help other users.
Have a nice day!