• RejZoR@lemmy.ml
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    29 days ago

    Actually that’s not as absurd as it seems. NAND memory starts corrupting data if it doesn’t get any current for few years. I’m not sure if just power on USB triggers it or does controller on device need to be specifically activated by OS detection. I guess controller goes on the moment it gets power.

  • RedGreenBlue@lemmy.zip
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    29 days ago

    USB is intelligent. The device should draw as much current as it asks for. If the device is not detecting any host to do any data transfer with, then it is probably idling at lowest unit power load. I would bet it’s not bad for it in any way. As long as that power brick lives up to the standard.

      • RedGreenBlue@lemmy.zip
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        28 days ago

        It’s part of the standard. It’s slightly different for each USB verision. USB 2.0 starts at 100mA at 5V and the device can negotiate up to 500mA, if the host can deliver.

      • InFerNo@lemmy.ml
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        29 days ago

        Usb is 5v standard, it can negotiate something else, then it’s called usb-pd

  • potatopotato@sh.itjust.works
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    29 days ago

    So, technically flash storage is just electric charge stored in a cell and it does need periodic recharging as the cells leak over time (3+ years minimum). If the flash controller is capable of doing this automatically, then powering the drive like this may enable that to happen. I wouldn’t bet on it though.

  • phorq@lemmy.ml
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    29 days ago

    Good advice, but I wouldn’t trust Anker with my data refuel after their Eufy scandal

    • BorgDrone@feddit.nl
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      29 days ago

      Nothing at all.

      The power supply only puts 5V on the appropriate pins, just like a computer would. Since there is no computer, the drive will do nothing. Even if the power supply has USB-power delivery it won’t actually supply a higher voltage until the device asks for it, and this device won’t.