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    and I was thinking what? x220...usb 3.0

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ClarePenn, Mar 9, 2012.

  1. ClarePenn

    ClarePenn Notebook Guru

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    I ordered the x220 with the i5 choice and now see that I had to order the i7 to get a usb 3.0 port. Bummer! Is it possible to convert one of the usbs to 3.0 after-the-fact?

    Please let me know how to do this! Lenovo support is not getting back to me with a solution, one guy saying there is no way, but I would like a different answer...
     
    ClarePenn, Mar 9, 2012
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  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Intel does not support USB 3.0 in the Sandy Bridge chipset. As a result, there needs to be a separate chip on the motherboard for USB 3.0. Unless you know how to solder one on that works, there is no way. I might suggest an ExpressCard USB 3.0 card. I believe they're $20 or less on eBay and sit flush with the notebook.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 9, 2012
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  3. Lyndos

    Lyndos Newbie

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    You can try using an Expresscard USB 3.0 solution that fits flush with the X220, it's a lot cheaper than buying a Core i7 just to get the same port. More info can be found here.
     
    Lyndos, Mar 9, 2012
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  4. ClarePenn

    ClarePenn Notebook Guru

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    YAY! Thank you. I copied this from the link, Lynods:

    "This one has good reviews.

    Amazon.com: Expresscard Express To USB 3.0 34mm with Power Cable: Electronics

    It's worth noting that for connecting to an external drives esata is still faster than USB 3.0"

    How do you use esata? I'm connecting thumb drives, dvd, hard drive bu, all have usb 3.0 capability.

    The expresscard above says 'with Power Cable'. Do these guys need to be powered separately when they're plugged into the computer or is the cable for something else?


    Ah, I missed the all important THANK YOU.
     
    ClarePenn, Mar 9, 2012
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  5. PresidentK

    PresidentK Notebook Guru

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    ...i have a sandy bridge i7 w520 and it has two USB 3.0 ports
     
    PresidentK, Mar 9, 2012
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  6. Lyndos

    Lyndos Newbie

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    But the USB 3.0 chipset are not from Intel, rather the chipset is from a third party vendor (NEC) integrated on to the motherboard which I believe is what ZaZ was implying when he mentioned it requires a "separate chip".
     
    Lyndos, Mar 9, 2012
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  7. PresidentK

    PresidentK Notebook Guru

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    ahh i see....
     
    PresidentK, Mar 9, 2012
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  8. miro_gt

    miro_gt Notebook Deity

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    I use eSata expresscard and I'm quite happy with it. It requires additional power supply though, so I either have to plug USB cable to my external HDD enclousure, or use separate 5V power adapter.

    using additional USB cable has its advantages though, as I just found that out by accident about a week ago. While formatting a 500GB HDD, the power cut off due to the storm outside, so had I used the external power adapter this would have messed up. Luckily this time I was using the USB cable so the laptop kept working due to its battery, which also supplied power through the USB to the enclosure that kept formatting my HDD just fine :D
     
    miro_gt, Mar 10, 2012
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