USB 2 and USB 3

Discussion in 'hardware' started by Acadia, Feb 25, 2014.

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  1. Acadia

    Acadia Registered Member

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    I've been getting conflicting information on this one:

    If I am not mistaken, USB3 is backward compatible to a USB2 device. In other words, I believe that I can plug an old USB 2 external hard drive into a new USB 3 port and the drive will still work, I will not have the USB 3 speed, but the drive will still work, correct?

    But my main question, is the reverse true? Can I plug a new USB 3 external drive into an old USB 2 port if all I have left free are USB 2 ports on my system. Even though I will not have the speed, will the USB3 device work off of an USB 2 port?

    Thanks,
    Acadia
     
    Acadia, Feb 25, 2014
    #1
  2. Robin A.

    Robin A. Registered Member

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    Yes. It will work at USB 2.0 speed.
     
    Robin A., Feb 25, 2014
    #2
  3. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    Location:
    Slovenia, EU
    Yes, USB 3.0 devices are backward compatible.

    hqsec
     
    Minimalist, Feb 25, 2014
    #3
  4. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

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    Yes they are backwards compatible. In fact i own an external HDD that is USB 3 capable but none of my PC's are.
     
    Noob, Feb 25, 2014
    #4
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