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Wii U external HDD thread
- Thread starter Christberg
- Start date
WiCkEd_Co
Member
Yup been playing it off the flash drive and so far no problems and I know for a fact my flash drive is on the slower side of speeds.
Shin Johnpv
Member
Not all Flash chips are created equally. Some can read really fast but write REALLY slowly, some do both equally well, others the opposite way around.
For those experiencing lock ups with flash drives and MK8 I wonder if it's trying to write replay data and the drive can't keep up at points.
That's exactly it. The lock ups are while I'm playing around with replays after races. Now you've said that I'm guessing the write speed of my flash drive is not fast enough.
frankie_baby
Member
Thinking of getting a flash drive for my Wii U (need my free game but I'm full) but they never seem to list read/write speeds, hmmmm what to get
My Memory lists the read & write speed of their flash drives. Be careful though, I'm using one of their own branded flash drives. Advertised as "high speed" but reading the specs it's on the slower side of things.
Does the choice of HDD affect install speeds? Just downloaded WiiU party in about 30 minutes, but now it is saying it'll take 99:59 to install, and it's said that for about half an hour now.
Also it failed to download/install zombiU a few times. Wondering if that might be related to the HDD? Have a WD passport 120GB, and using a USB y-cable to power it.
Edit: tried backing out of the install progress screen and it froze again
Also it failed to download/install zombiU a few times. Wondering if that might be related to the HDD? Have a WD passport 120GB, and using a USB y-cable to power it.
Edit: tried backing out of the install progress screen and it froze again
Yes I think it's your Hard Drive that is the issue with the install. My friend downloaded MK 8 on a Wii U Deluxe direct to the internal storage and his install time was 15 mins. He was complaining about this being too long as he's primarily an Xbox gamer. MK 8 is just under 5GB.
With myself, I left the download of MK 8 and Pikmin 3 unattended to my USB thumb drive. When I went back to the Wii U a few hours later the download and installs were complete
Install times and game loading times are all dependent on the storage unit the game is on. I'd love to see some loading comparison times on Mario Kart 8 between physical disc vs HDD vs internal storage (Deluxe) vs USB thumb drive.
With myself, I left the download of MK 8 and Pikmin 3 unattended to my USB thumb drive. When I went back to the Wii U a few hours later the download and installs were complete
Install times and game loading times are all dependent on the storage unit the game is on. I'd love to see some loading comparison times on Mario Kart 8 between physical disc vs HDD vs internal storage (Deluxe) vs USB thumb drive.
bronzodiriace
Member
I have a question about an usb box 3.5" and a Seagate 500gb 3.5" sata.
I'd like to put the Seagate inside this usb box
http://www.amazon.it/dp/B00447O2SG/
This usb box has external power.
Will it works?
I'd like to put the Seagate inside this usb box
http://www.amazon.it/dp/B00447O2SG/
This usb box has external power.
Will it works?
Kelli Lemondrop
Banned
it should work just fine, some enclosures do like to cycle down to a low power state when not in use, if the wii u fails to see it when you boot it up, unplug your drives power and plug it back in, itll work just fine again.
bronzodiriace
Member
You need a Y cord to not have power issues.
w1gglyjones
Member
not really.
To people who are using those HDDs that come with an external power supply I have to ask before going there myself: Do they make a lot of noise?
I already owned a 320gb HP harddrive when I got the Wii U and it works okay except for some craaazy audio stuttering in the Sonic Lost World demo, but the biggest problem is that the Harddrive REALLY makes a lot of noise at least to my standards. I can't put it on the floor because you can feel it in your feet across the entire room and I don't want the noise-level to go beyond what the Wii U already makes so I don't have to turn up the TV volume extra high.
So can I get an external HDD with a power supply that doesn't really make noise, or do I need one of the compatible drives that don't have a power supply?
I already owned a 320gb HP harddrive when I got the Wii U and it works okay except for some craaazy audio stuttering in the Sonic Lost World demo, but the biggest problem is that the Harddrive REALLY makes a lot of noise at least to my standards. I can't put it on the floor because you can feel it in your feet across the entire room and I don't want the noise-level to go beyond what the Wii U already makes so I don't have to turn up the TV volume extra high.
So can I get an external HDD with a power supply that doesn't really make noise, or do I need one of the compatible drives that don't have a power supply?
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Sorry, but the official Nintendo US link in the OP doesn't appear to work anymore.
Is there a drive that's considered the best to use an external drive for the Wii U? I'm looking in the 500 GB to 1 TB range.
Is there a drive that's considered the best to use an external drive for the Wii U? I'm looking in the 500 GB to 1 TB range.
Mithos
Gold Member
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Thanks!
iamaustrian
Member
quick question: When I want to use a new HDD. How do I get all my stuff from the old to the new HDD?
via WiiU or via PC? or do I have to download everything again?
I saw a 1TB HDD for 30 euros at a local thrift store. I can't resist that deal
via WiiU or via PC? or do I have to download everything again?
I saw a 1TB HDD for 30 euros at a local thrift store. I can't resist that deal
You can copy it within the Wii U so long as both drives are plugged in.
If not, if your computer can recognize and mount the hard drive, clone the drive.
iamaustrian
Member
Anyone else use the Toshiba Canvio 1 TB HDTC610XK3B1?
So about 2 weeks ago while playing MK8 I got a message saying "Do not unplug hard drive while system is on" and I thought nothing of it. It later crashed while playing MK8 online and it would cause my Wii U to not boot up properly. Not sure if it's something wrong with the Y cable or if the HDD is just corrupted. Anyways, the only way I could use it again was to format it and I lost all my saves in the process which kinda sucks, but I'm not too mad about that.
It was running fine for a few days and I got the do not unplug hard drive while system is on message again and I'm scared I'm going to lose all my saves again. Wondering if I should get a new HDD or if my USB port is messed up or something.
So about 2 weeks ago while playing MK8 I got a message saying "Do not unplug hard drive while system is on" and I thought nothing of it. It later crashed while playing MK8 online and it would cause my Wii U to not boot up properly. Not sure if it's something wrong with the Y cable or if the HDD is just corrupted. Anyways, the only way I could use it again was to format it and I lost all my saves in the process which kinda sucks, but I'm not too mad about that.
It was running fine for a few days and I got the do not unplug hard drive while system is on message again and I'm scared I'm going to lose all my saves again. Wondering if I should get a new HDD or if my USB port is messed up or something.
blackgandorf
Member
I use my old PS3 HDD on an external case (160GB Hitachi 5k500 5400rmp) with this USB Y-cable and is working fine. I transferred MK8 and Pikmin 3 there, the loading times are normal
SlaughterX
Banned
I am still doing alright with my internal 32GBs (only used half of it so far), but can you use an SD card for storage or what?
Trevelyan9999
Banned
When plugging in a Powered HDD that only requires 1 USB connection, does it matter which USB outlet you plug it into in the back of the Wii U, or does it draw better from the top or bottom connection?
Has anyone had problems with an inconsistent connection for their external drives? I posted this on their tech support forums and I'm posting it here too...
"I only recently opted to get an external hard drive as my WiiU's internal storage was filling up. Got both the drive and a Y-cable. Moved most of my content to the external drive except for my retail game saves, apps, and Shovel Knight.
My problem is that 3 times out of 5, when backing out of a game (whether it be retail or digital) and returning to the main system menu, the software on the external drive won't appear for about 10 seconds, the screen goes black, and then I get the error code 160-2713. It doesn't happen every time, but often enough that it worries me. I tried switching which cable was plugged into which of the rear ports, but this hasn't changed anything."
"I only recently opted to get an external hard drive as my WiiU's internal storage was filling up. Got both the drive and a Y-cable. Moved most of my content to the external drive except for my retail game saves, apps, and Shovel Knight.
My problem is that 3 times out of 5, when backing out of a game (whether it be retail or digital) and returning to the main system menu, the software on the external drive won't appear for about 10 seconds, the screen goes black, and then I get the error code 160-2713. It doesn't happen every time, but often enough that it worries me. I tried switching which cable was plugged into which of the rear ports, but this hasn't changed anything."
Mithos
Gold Member
Sounds like the external drive have gone to powersave/sleep mode or similar, on some external drives you can turn that off.
would i be able to disable that function if i hooked the drive up to my pc?
Trevelyan9999
Banned
When you first bought the drive did you set it up on your PC first? Sometimes this is needed before using them for drivers and updates/features to activate.
no, out of the box and plugged it straight into the system.
gar3
Member
A little late I know but I've been using a Toshiba Canvio 2TB for over a year now without issue. Might be the HDD; might be the USB port :-/
EDIT
Just noticed you use the "portable" drive.
I use the "external" one.
Maybe that's the difference?
ubersticky
Member
So I'm loking at a cheap Toshiba Store Basics 500GB 2.5 USB 3.0 Black (works with 2.0 too) but I would need this Y cord thing for it right? I'm kinda confused about this Y cord.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
Almost certainly, yes.
The issue is that the USB ports on the Wii U are low power so a typical external hard drive that is designed to be powered via a USB connection [say to a laptop] won't be able to draw enough power to function properly. However, if you use a Y cable then it draws the power from two Wii U USB ports and thus will have sufficient power to function properly. You might be lucky and have a drive that only needs a connection to one USB port but it's pretty uncommon. You can guarantee it will have sufficient power by using a self powered hard drive i.e. it has its own power plug but the Y cable option works if this is not possible.
However, make sure you get the right Y cable for your hard drive. I bought one with the wrong connection to the hard drive and had to buy another one. Second time lucky but I'm just pointing this out as I wouldn't want you to make the same mistake I did
. Hope that covers it but do feel free to shout if not.
So we can't transfer JUST the save data from the USB Storage Device to the System Memory?
I want to be able to move only my save over so I can sleep safe knowing my hard work won't be lost if my HDD dies on me. But for right now, it's asking me to transfer EVERYTHING from the actual game to the DLC and update data. I just want to transfer ONLY the save date.
If there it, there must be some inane way of doing it as I've tried a ton of different options already.
I want to be able to move only my save over so I can sleep safe knowing my hard work won't be lost if my HDD dies on me. But for right now, it's asking me to transfer EVERYTHING from the actual game to the DLC and update data. I just want to transfer ONLY the save date.
If there it, there must be some inane way of doing it as I've tried a ton of different options already.
I got an extension male to female USB cord and the usb to electric outlet plug and used those instead of getting power from the Wii U, plus I free up a usb port.
So I was wondering how viable a micro sd card paired with a reader would be for getting the most portable 128 gb possible.
I currently use this
http://amzn.com/B00C6GLF78
as my flash drive for 64 gb, but am running out of space.
I was thinking about this
http://amzn.com/B00IIJ6W4S
paired with
http://amzn.com/B002HGFKR8
Most games I keep on my hard drive are not regularly played, but I'm worried a micro sd might get even fewer read/write cycles. Has anyone tried this?
I currently use this
http://amzn.com/B00C6GLF78
as my flash drive for 64 gb, but am running out of space.
I was thinking about this
http://amzn.com/B00IIJ6W4S
paired with
http://amzn.com/B002HGFKR8
Most games I keep on my hard drive are not regularly played, but I'm worried a micro sd might get even fewer read/write cycles. Has anyone tried this?
Nostremitus
Member
I don't see how an SD card would be able to keep up with any games that have to stream data.
I'm not entirely sure why a game would have to stream data constantly, but the card has been tested to have read speeds up to 44 mb/s. I would have thought USB 2.0 to be the choke point.
elago Mobile Nano II USB 2.0 microSDHC Flash Memory Card Reader -Works up to 32GB- (Black)
SanDisk Ultra 128GB MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS Memory Card Speed Up To 30MB/s With Adapter - SDSDQUA-128G-G46A
I am not sure that is going to work.
alf717
Member
I'm getting to the point where I may need an HDD for my Wii U and had some questions. Can I store the games on the HDD and keep the saved games on the Wii U console? Also if I get a external powered drive will the drive turn off when I power off the Wii U or will I have to switch if off? Any suggestions would be great.
I understand that there will be no readers rated for 128 gb because this is the first card to exist.
http://amzn.com/B0028R3NCU
This is rated for up to 64gb. Assuming no data slow down, I think this would work just fine considering my current flash drive in place has read speeds around 20 mb/s. Or am I missing something?
I want to retire my Wii .... so I have a question.
I want to play wii games on the WiiU, but because of how little I play it, I would not like to need to swap disk and stuffs like that ... so my question is ...
Is there any way to set up the same HD so that i works both as an external HD to the WiiU AND a external HD to Wii homebrew loading ?
Like partitions and stuff
I want to play wii games on the WiiU, but because of how little I play it, I would not like to need to swap disk and stuffs like that ... so my question is ...
Is there any way to set up the same HD so that i works both as an external HD to the WiiU AND a external HD to Wii homebrew loading ?
Like partitions and stuff
Yagami_Sama
Member
My Wii U finally reaches it storage limit.
I am still in doubt what to buy a HDD or a USB Memory Card, if the last works like in the Wii, so any recommendation would be welcome. A part from that I have a question :
If a format the HDD, is it possible to share it in two consoles, like one partition for a Wii U and other for another Wii U ?
I am still in doubt what to buy a HDD or a USB Memory Card, if the last works like in the Wii, so any recommendation would be welcome. A part from that I have a question :
If a format the HDD, is it possible to share it in two consoles, like one partition for a Wii U and other for another Wii U ?
Nope, AFAIK. It's possible to partition an HDD to be used both by the Wii U and PC, but it's very convoluted and involves messing with "host protected area" to hide the PC partition from the Wii U and vice versa and requires you to disable/enable the HPA every time you want to switch the HDD between the Wii U and a PC.
Bl4ckSunsh1n3
Member
Yagami_Sama
Member
I am a little bit confused now. Once I consider buy a USB Flash Drive, and some acquaintances strongly recommended to not use it.
My need it is just for Eshop games. I always prefer retail games.
So, it is ok if a USB Flash Drive instead of a HDD ?
My need it is just for Eshop games. I always prefer retail games.
So, it is ok if a USB Flash Drive instead of a HDD ?
lolez2matt
Member
I got a generic case for my HDD and connected it on the front usb ports and it worked. Guess I´m lucky or something.