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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    Raspberry Pi 3 with external 2.5 Seagate USB powered hard drive

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    • R
      rmilyard
      last edited by

      I am thinking about building a RetroPie setup to use in out new Mini Van. I am looking at using biggest Micro SD Card I can (not sure what size can use) to store my ROMs. Also wanted to know if I could use one of these Seagate external USB powered hard drives.

      http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TKFEE5S/ref=twister_B00TS6JL4S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

      I asked Seagate and would told draws 500 mA. The 4tb draws it all.

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      • O
        opensourcefan
        last edited by

        I have a couple 2.5" enclosures kicking around that can be externally powered as well as via the usb alone. The Pi3 seams quite power sensitive, I certainly wouldn't add a 500ma draw to it if there was another option. Being in the vehicle, where were you going to get your Pi power from?

        RPI3, v 3.7 from SD Image, Last update, Bluetooth v1.0, Child-Friendly ES, 3 amp Power Supply, Case w/fan.

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        • R
          rmilyard @opensourcefan
          last edited by

          @opensourcefan

          The van have few cig plugs and couple 100watt power plugs I can use.

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          • O
            opensourcefan
            last edited by

            Excellent, so you should be able to separately power the drive. I have a 5.0v 3000ma power supply powering my Pi right now, that might work for you. If you get the standard 2500ma power supply and try and run the drive off of usb power you will most likely see issues.

            RPI3, v 3.7 from SD Image, Last update, Bluetooth v1.0, Child-Friendly ES, 3 amp Power Supply, Case w/fan.

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            • R
              rmilyard @opensourcefan
              last edited by

              @opensourcefan

              Not sure what power supply you mean. The stock one looks like 5v 2.5a.

              So saying if get other one should be able to run drive from usb on pi?

              Trying keep simple and small so easy for kids.

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              • O
                opensourcefan
                last edited by

                Yep, the recommended power supply for the pi3 is a 5.v 2.5a. But there's not a lot of extra there, the pi3 is a hungry little thing. My concern is if you attach a USB device that's going to use 1/5 of the available power from a recommended power supply you'll have issues. The official power supply is 5.1v, that extra .1 seems to cover any voltage drop that may occur for whatever reason.

                If you want simple get a 3a power supply and run your drive off the pi USB, you'll know if it's not going to work. Look for a rainbow colored square in the top right corner of the screen, that's the low voltage indicator.

                RPI3, v 3.7 from SD Image, Last update, Bluetooth v1.0, Child-Friendly ES, 3 amp Power Supply, Case w/fan.

                R 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • R
                  rmilyard @opensourcefan
                  last edited by

                  @opensourcefan

                  Not sure what you mean about looking for rainbow? That in RetroPie after it's booted?

                  BriganeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • BriganeB
                    Brigane @rmilyard
                    last edited by

                    @rmilyard A rainbow colored square will appear in top right corner on the screen if a stronger power supply is needed.

                    Systems: Raspberry Pi 0/2/3 Model B+
                    Os: RetroPie 4.5
                    Frontend: Emulationstation & Attract Mode

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                    • R
                      rmilyard @Brigane
                      last edited by

                      @Brigane new pi and 5v 3a power supply coming tomorrow.

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                      • R
                        rmilyard
                        last edited by

                        See post:

                        https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/1745/128gb-micro-sd-card-with-pi-3

                        I have more questions.

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