Jan032012

Is USB 3.0 compatible with a USB 2.0 port?

Gina Steinmeier asks:

I want to get an external hard drive, but I need to know if a USB 3.0 will work with my USB 2.0 port? And will the transfer rate be 2.0 or 3.0?

Because if it’s not gonna speed up the transfer, I might as well buy the USB 2.0.


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  • Anonymous January 5, 2012

    if you have a place in the computer then PCI Express USB 3.0 Expansion Card for Desktops or USB 3.0 ExpressCard 34 for Laptops
    http://webtrickz.com/how-to-plugconnect-usb-3-0-devices-on-unsupported-pcs/

  • FIDELIS January 3, 2012

    Hello, USB3 is back compatible with USB2.  To answer your question, yes a USB3 external will work in a USB2 port, just keep in mind that it will run with USB2 speed and you might also get a message about connecting to a faster port. 

    You can connect a USB2 external to a USB3 port, but it will still run at USB2 speed.  If you need advice and you can afford it, you could add a USB3 card to your computer and that way you can use the speed advantage that USB3 provides as compared to USB2.  Keep in mind that this comment refers to standard USB3/USB2 connections.   

  • Jeff Fabish January 3, 2012

    Yes, although this could differ from device to device (how about you tell me the hard drives make & model?). When you plug in a USB 3.0 device into a USB 2.0 interface, the speed will be that of USB 2 (because of maximum bandwidth).

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