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    USB 3.0 device over usb 2.0 hub over usb 3.0 expresscard slot on vaio z

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by XTACTIC, Oct 15, 2011.

  1. XTACTIC

    XTACTIC Notebook Consultant

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    title confusing enough? anyway.

    on vaio z...
    i am using a belkin 4 port usb 2.0 hub, and a
    seagate freeagent usb 3.0 hd.

    the read rate over the native usb 2.0 ports on the are about 27 MB/s
    but when i connect a USB 2.0 hub to the usb 3.0 express card,
    the same hard drive (routed through that usb 2.0 hub) is achieve speeds
    of 37 MB/s... a full 10mb/s faster.

    how is that? is the usb2.0 controller limitation in the laptop itself vs the hub?
    well over native usb 3.0, this is still alot slower than the 92 MB/s i get on usb 3.0, but the point is, its still faster somehow.
     
    XTACTIC, Oct 15, 2011
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  2. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    likely the USB3.0 controller card is simply more efficient.
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 15, 2011
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  3. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    That doesn't make much sense but... 37MB/s is within the USB2 speed limit of 50MB/s
     
    ComputerCowboy, Oct 16, 2011
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  4. XTACTIC

    XTACTIC Notebook Consultant

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    yeah. but it does make me question why usb 2.0 native ports don't work as fast as it should =\
     
    XTACTIC, Oct 16, 2011
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  5. anytimer

    anytimer Notebook Virtuoso

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    Is it a powered hub?
     
    anytimer, Oct 16, 2011
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  6. XTACTIC

    XTACTIC Notebook Consultant

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    XTACTIC, Oct 16, 2011
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  7. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    Do note, most internal USB connections are through another hub. Probably just cheaper for trace routing that way.
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 16, 2011
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  8. anytimer

    anytimer Notebook Virtuoso

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    Seems the hub is able to provide more power to the HDD than the VAIO USB port. My USB DVD writer came with a Y lead - with connections to 2 USB ports on the laptop so it could draw power from two ports at once. Maybe you could give that a shot if you need to. However, the powered hub is a darn good idea. :)
     
    anytimer, Oct 16, 2011
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  9. XTACTIC

    XTACTIC Notebook Consultant

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    You know what bothers me right now with this whole usb 3.0 thing...

    I have the AKE 5Gbps USB 3.0 ExpressCard... but (well yes i know ExpressCard only supplies 300 mA) of power, and the usb 2.0 ports will give 500 mA of power.. necessary for the hdd to power up ( Seagate GoFlex 1TB)... but it just won't show up through my current usb 3.0 hub, Vantec 4-Port USB 3.0.

    My ThermalTake Blacx Usb 2.0 external docking station works though that is powered by itself via external dc power, and the freeagent go takes power from the hub (which i don't know if is providing it or not).

    Someone recommend me a good looking fancy and most importantly working usb 3.0 hub? or enlighten me on why that setup doesn't work =\

    Im currently leaning towards this one: J-Tech
     
    XTACTIC, Oct 16, 2011
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  10. Louche

    Louche Purveyor of Utopias

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    On a slighly different note, when Ivy Bridge offers native USB 3 support, will it be faster than the pseudo-USB 3.0 port on the Z2 and the real USB 3 on the PMD?
     
    Louche, Oct 17, 2011
    #10