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    Question about a usb 3.0 external HDD

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by MeitanteiConan, Jun 21, 2013.

  1. MeitanteiConan

    MeitanteiConan Notebook Enthusiast

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    So i want to get this external HDD that uses usb 3.0,but my pc only has usb 2.0 sockets.
    I know usb 3.0 is backwards compatible with usb 2.0,but what kind of cable do i need ?
    Can i plug the standard usb 3.0 cable that comes with the drive in my usb 2.0 socket ?
    Or do i need some special adapter or something ?

    Thanks :)
     
    MeitanteiConan, Jun 21, 2013
    #1
  2. maverick1989

    maverick1989 Notebook Deity

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    USB 3.0 is backwards compatible in both hardware and software. You just don't get faster speeds with a 2.0 slot.
     
    maverick1989, Jun 21, 2013
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  3. MeitanteiConan

    MeitanteiConan Notebook Enthusiast

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    I heard about the reduced speed.
    So i just plug in the usb 3.0 cable and it will work ? Awesome :)
    Thanks for the help !
     
    MeitanteiConan, Jun 21, 2013
    #3
  4. Idarzoid

    Idarzoid Guest

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    Yeah, it's pretty much plug and play.

    Never ran into an issue where it doesn't work or anything like that with my USB 3 external HDD and flash drives, so you're good to go.
     
    Idarzoid, Jun 21, 2013
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  5. JOSEA

    JOSEA NONE

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    Then only possible issue U could run into is needing 2 available USB ports to power the external hard drive. Then 3.0 enclosure I have came with a cable like this, but it works fine with only 1 connector on each end.
    Wholesale-Price-USB-Y-Cable-for-External-HDD-Hard-Drive-3A-cable-12CM-100pcs-lot-FREE.jpg
    I guess if you used a HUB it might be needed
     
    JOSEA, Jun 21, 2013
    #5
  6. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Ironically, the only times I ran into the drive not receiving enough power was when plugging one into a USB3.0 slot. That kind of explains my aversion for USB3.0 WD externals, the only externals that I've run into so far that didn't get enough power from a single USB3.0 port and supplying a Y cable with the drive instead of a cable with only one plug was too much to ask.
     
    tijo, Jun 21, 2013
    #6
  7. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    I have that cable too but have never had the need to use dual ports. So far, all my USB 3.0 ports power my devices flawlessly. Including my dual express card USB 3.0. That surprised me.
     
    Krane, Jun 21, 2013
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  8. MeitanteiConan

    MeitanteiConan Notebook Enthusiast

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    The hdd i'm planning on getting has an AC adapter,so i'm not that concerned about power failures :)
     
    MeitanteiConan, Jun 22, 2013
    #8