How do I know it's really USB 3.0?

So I was transferring files from a USB2.0 external drive to my R3 via the left-side USB port (the one labeled with the "SS" above the usb logo), and it transferred at 38 kb/s or mb/s (I forgot which). Then just to test it out, I transferred the same file using the right side usb port, and it transferred at basically the same speed... So how do I tell if I REALLY have a USB3.0 port? Or is the speed the same, because my external is a USB2.0 drive? Would I need a USB3.0 "certified" external to utilize the 3.0 speeds?

Please advise. TYIA!

 

Because it's a USB 2.0 drive USB3.0 will simply run at standard 2.0 speeds.

Yes you need 3.0 devices to be able to use a 3.0 port to its full potential

 

The drivers you install specifically list that its' USB 3.0 Plus it says in Device Manager USB 3.0, what more do you want? lol.

 

The ports on the left transfer at about 90k a sec with my external so I'm pretty sure it's USB 3.

 

I'm almost positive that you have to have a usb 3.0 compatible device to notice any speed differences in that port. The 3.0 port will "downgrade" itself to 2.0 speeds when dealing with devices that don't support 3.0.

This would be the same concept as a SATA III capable port acting like a SATA II when a drive that can't do 6gb/s is connected.

 

I still prefer to use my Esata Port over USB 3.0

 

I transferred 82Gb to a USB 3.0 external in 25 minutes. You MUST have a USB 3.0 device. If you are using a USB 2.0, it's not gonna be any faster than 'normal'.

 

There are plenty of articles that state that Esata is actually still faster then USB 3.0, especially when transferring files or moving files from one location to another.

 

Dang, fellaz. Thanks for all the advice Yah, my externals are USB 2.0 ones: one is a SATA 3gb and the other is an old IDE drive. So it won't be any faster for me to use either the 3.0 or the 2.0 ports, right? Just thought that the 3.0 ones might be faster, but guess not

 

Well they're still useful if you have multiple USB 2.0 devices and you want to save on ports; use a usb 3.0 hub. The marketing will have you believe that since its 10x faster you can have 10 usb 2.0 devices at max speed, but we know of course that won't be the case, but its still going to be max speed for a whole lot more than 1 device

BTW the powered eSata port is an awesome accessory charger if you use a hub.

 

There will be a huge difference if you get the hardware to accomodate USB 3.0. Putting a 2.0 in a 3.0 slot is kinda like kinking a water hose and expecting it to continue putting out a full flow-not gonna happen. As I mentioned earlier, my USB 3.0 external is waaaaaay faster than any 2.0 ext I have. Got em for like $20- Here!Better hurry though. I think I'm about to get another one.

 

Do I have to buy a new hdd as well? Or my old IDEs and the SATA 3gb is fine?