Seagate Backup Drive, USB 3.0, slow performance, high response time

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TehPenguin

TehPenguin

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May 12, 2016
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I'm using the Seagate Dashboard software to backup selected folders.

Copying something manually to the drive yields USB 2.0 Speeds of around 20 MB/s with high response times (500-1000ms).

Copying a file from the drive caps at ~120 MB/s, which is probably as fast as the HDD can go, and the response times are <2ms.

Every other HDD works fine. The USB port works fine, too. I've tested my 64GB pen drive and it copied and read at ~100MB/s.

The response time sometimes drops to <100ms and as low as 10ms but the write speed does not change.


I understand the software might be a limitation, even though I don't understand why it should, but I am also at loss why the write speeds don't exceed 20mb/s when not using the software.



EDIT:
Yup, the cable it was. The software is still slower than manual backup, but there's an increase in speed for both.

Manual write ~135 mb/s

Seagate Dashboard 20-75 mb/s
 
Solution
SuperSoph_WD
Hey there, @TehPenguin!

Have you tried swapping the USB cable that is connecting your external HDD? I'd advise you to do so and then see if the write speeds will improve. Another thing you should try is writing to the external drive from another PC/laptop, if you have access to one. Either way, I'd strongly recommend you back up the data from the external somewhere else as well until you have resolved the issue. Having duplicates of your data is how you will avoid the potential data loss. Better safe than sorry, right? :) Afterwards, I'd also suggest you run the drive manufacturer's brand-specific diagnostic tool to check up on the health and SMART status (make sure it passes both the short & the long tests).

Hope this helps you...
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, @TehPenguin!

Have you tried swapping the USB cable that is connecting your external HDD? I'd advise you to do so and then see if the write speeds will improve. Another thing you should try is writing to the external drive from another PC/laptop, if you have access to one. Either way, I'd strongly recommend you back up the data from the external somewhere else as well until you have resolved the issue. Having duplicates of your data is how you will avoid the potential data loss. Better safe than sorry, right? :) Afterwards, I'd also suggest you run the drive manufacturer's brand-specific diagnostic tool to check up on the health and SMART status (make sure it passes both the short & the long tests).

Hope this helps you. Keep me posted! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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Solution
dgingeri

dgingeri

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Dec 4, 2009
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I have seen issues powering USB 3.0 drives from system USB ports. I have had three WD drives that would not run directly connected to my system that would run just fine from a port off a USB self powered hub. Does your drive use an external power adapter or is it powered from the USB port? If it is powered from the port, I'd test it off a self powered (meaning one with an external power adapter) USB 3.0 hub to make sure power delivery is sufficient.
 
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TehPenguin

TehPenguin

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I am fairly confident in the quality of my components, but is there a way to test the power delivery otherwise? Wouldn't want to buy a hub only to use my portable drive. Kind of defies the purpose of having a "portable" drive.
 
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dgingeri

dgingeri

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I'm confident in the quality of my components, especially my motherboard, also. I have an Asus Maximus VII Hero, a low end ROG motherboard. I figured it would be able to supply the right power, but it wasn't able to.

Perhaps you can borrow a hub from a friend?
 
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TehPenguin

TehPenguin

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I've got the Asus ROG Strix X99 Gaming, google didn't find me any existing topics about power delivery problems but that doesn't mean it doesn't have them. Hmm, I'll ask around for a USB Hub if the new cable doesn't fix the problems.

Thanks for the input!
 
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