Question : Problem: External HDD drive USB cable has 3 connectors - why 3?  Why not 2?

Several of my 2.5" external hard drives come with cables that have TWO USB A connectors on one side.  The side that goes into the host PC.  The other side is the connector to go into the drive.  So in total, the cable has three connectors.  To be absolutely clear:  these connectors are exactly the same size!

Question:  What is the purpose of the TWO USB A connectors on the same end of the cable?  

Anyone?

Answer : Problem: External HDD drive USB cable has 3 connectors - why 3?  Why not 2?

G'day CRNZ,

If you find that your drive isn't getting enough power from just one USB port, you can plug the second one in to boost the power output to the external HDD.  I have the same Y cable with my external drive.

It is handy as USB 1.x doesn't have enough power on some PCs for the drive and the second cable enables you to get that additional Milliamps you need.

Ian.