Iam trying to have several HDD doing a SELFSCAN at the same time using an external power supply by itlesf.
I have HDDoctor for seagate util to do this. Now I have been able to put them to do selfscan, but the fist time I did it I was using the same power supply on the computer I had the util working on .
So I ended up with only 3 out of 8 HDD actually finished the SELFSCAN. the rest are now busy and showing on CMD mode no interface age!. Some would pick from test 81, some others would picl from test 02. (which means the SELFSCAN has not finish yet. (all the HDD were given to me as defective but the next day when I checked them they were recognized by the util when connected.)
Now I have a 240W , 20A on the +5V output as well as 12A on the +12V output.
My question is.... Does any one knows at least on average what is the current comsumption od a HDD during SELFSCAN so I can assure to keep the load under the power supply's limit, and I dont get no more no interface age!

regards
Pedro E.

You should not use 2 drives on a same line.

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I guess I didnt explain my self correctly; using the command line as well as idle and with the power from an external source such as a power supply (not the one that comes with the util) i can do the SELFSCAN since i believe is a process intrinsic of the HDD itself.
I just need the current cumpsumtion of the HDD while on Selfscan so that I dont overload the power suply that am using for this and some of the HDD cant finish the selfscan.
i hope this clarifys it.

You can look up power consumption specs for individual drives. In general, for your purposes you would probably be safe estimating 1.5 Amps on the +12V line, and 1 Amp on the +5V line. If you start them up all at the same time, estimate 3 Amps on the +12V line. If you intend to power a LOT of drives, you might want a better power supply. Also, make sure you have a GOOD brand. It sucks when a DEER power supply takes out a drive, but it's serious pain if a crap PS takes out 10 or 20 drives all at once...

If you are absolutely sure the drives won't start up at the same time, and you are extremely desparate to use your current power supply, you might get by with better numbers, perhaps .5 Amps on the +5V line, and 1 Amp on the +12V line.

actually I start them separetly, basically what I do, from the power supply i connect one of the power connector to the drive, and using both the command and idle connector that comes with the salvation HDcotor for seagate util am able to load the HDD and do the necesary commands to make the drive in SELFSCAN mode, after that I wait 5 minuted to see behavior, and then I disconnect both the command and idle connector from that HDD and do the same procedure.
I have noticed that during the SELFSCAN the drive spins very fast and vivrates alot at some points, so the current cumpsomtion mut be grater there how how much more? I do not know. and this could be a factor becasue since the HDD will be in parallel if one that started first gets into the point of recalibration where it has to consume more current then the last one (if the limit of the source is not taking into consideration) might stop becaseu the source cant deliver the needed current.
that is why I wanted to know in average the current cumsumption.

thanks anyways for answer.

regards
Pedro E.

Well, the drive shouldn't spin any faster during operation, but there may be head activity. You might get 50% to 60% more current draw during maximum usage. You'll get the most current draw by far on startup.

I'm not sure based on your description, but I hope you're switching the +5 and +12 on each connector, and not plugging the connector in while powered.