USB extension power consumption
USB extension power consumption
I'm considering using two USB ports on my motherboard—each with its own extension cable. One will be for Bluetooth BT 400 (2 meters) and the other for a Wi-Fi adapter (6 meters). Will this affect power usage or overload any USB ports? All devices should function properly.
Extension cables don't draw power unless they include a chip to boost signals for longer ranges. Without active amplification, the USB standard suggests a maximum reach of about 3 meters. Even with this limit, the chips use only a tiny fraction of the 900mA available—roughly 10-50mA. It's safe; in extreme cases, if the cable is too long, your wireless device might restart or shut down due to insufficient power, but the computer should remain unaffected.