2006-12-18 22:10:01 · 4 answers · asked by pnatt89 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
A USB device (including a hub) can be designed to draw its power supply from the hub it is connected to. A powered hub can provide this power itself without having to draw any from the hub or computer that is itself connected to.
Power supplies are designed to provide a certain amount of current (e.g. 200mA, 500mA, 1A, etc.). If you exceed this amount the components within the supply may overheat and fail - permanently.
So if you have a large number of USB powered devices then connecting them to a powered hub will reduce the load on the computer and prevent it from becoming overloaded.
2006-12-18 22:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Powered has a power supply that plugs into the AC outlet. This provides power to the USB device. Unpowered uses power for the computer to provide power to the USB device. Unpowered USB hubs often don't do the job because if you have more than 1 USB device that needs power through the USB port, they demand more power than the computer's 1 usb port can consistenly provide. You're safer getting a powered USB hub.
2016-05-23 06:47:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All USB hubs require power to operate. They draw power from the motherboard connection. A four plug expansion hub plugged into a socket on your computer may need a battery or ac adapter to operate all your USB devices because a single port will not operate 4 USB devices. Just like 110v wall outlets, you can overload them. If you need more ports, get a card for one of your PCI slots.
2006-12-18 23:48:38 · answer #3 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume that powered offer a power source to the device, ie, they are able to charge your phone or light that little LED on your device. Whereas with none powered the devices require an external power source.
2006-12-18 22:30:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋