Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord?
Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord to reach USB 3.0 speeds (SuperSpeed)? Will any USB cord support any USB 3.0 device?
usb cable usb-3
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
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asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
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Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord to reach USB 3.0 speeds (SuperSpeed)? Will any USB cord support any USB 3.0 device?
usb cable usb-3
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
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asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
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add a comment |
Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord to reach USB 3.0 speeds (SuperSpeed)? Will any USB cord support any USB 3.0 device?
usb cable usb-3
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
23.5k1076109
asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord to reach USB 3.0 speeds (SuperSpeed)? Will any USB cord support any USB 3.0 device?
usb cable usb-3
usb cable usb-3
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
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asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
23.5k1076109
asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
23.5k1076109
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
23.5k1076109
edited Sep 24 '15 at 17:06
Steven
23.5k1076109
23.5k1076109
asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
asked Jul 7 '15 at 15:14
XavierjazzXavierjazz
6,298106190
6,298106190
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add a comment |
3 Answers
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The SuperSpeed transfer mode requires a USB 3.0 or higher cable. Earlier spec cables will still make a connection at a slower rate.
Source 1: USB 3.0 - Wikipedia
The VBUS, D−, D+, and GND pins are required for USB 2.0 communication.
The additional USB 3.0 pins are two differential pairs and one ground
(GND_DRAIN). The two additional differential pairs are for
SuperSpeed data transfer; they are used for full duplex SuperSpeed
signaling.
Source 2: USB 3.0 Super Speeds - USRobotics
USB 2.0 cables can be used with 3.0 ports but the transfer rate will
fall back to 2.0
Source 3: Are USB 3.0 cables different? - Answers - UserBenchmark
Yes, to get USB 3.0 speeds, you need special USB 3.0 cables. Yes, USB
3.0 cables are different. Even though you can connect a USB 3.0 device via a USB 2.0 cable, in order to achieve full USB 3.0 speeds you need
to re-wire any existing cabling. USB 3.0 cables are generally thicker
because they have nine internal wires versus four on USB 2.0 cables.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
|
show 1 more comment
A "USB 3.0 connection" requires a USB 3.0 cable.
Some USB 3.0 devices can be connected and operated as a USB 2.0 device (at USB 2.0 speeds), using a USB 2.0 cable. However, speed is not the only issue.
There are at least three important differences in cable construction between the two standards.
Related to speed:
The USB 3.0 cable has 9 internal conductors vs. 4 in USB 2.0.
Four of the nine match the USB 2.0 configuration (two are for power and two are for signal). Connecting a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 cable uses those conductors and operates like a USB 2.0 device.
The other five are signal conductors, which are used for the communication method that provides USB 3.0 "superspeed" (a good general description can be found here).
USB 3.0 cables have a limit of 3 meters vs. the USB 2.0 limit of 5 meters.
(Note that this is a practical limit. The cable can be any length as long as it meets all of the electrical requirements in the specification. The 3 meter limit is based on maximum allowable losses using the largest recommended wire size so that the cable is flexible.) source: specs
Related to power:
A USB 2.0 cable may not be adequate for a high current USB 3.0 device.
Some USB 3.0 devices draw more power than USB 2.0 devices. The power conductors in USB 3.0 cables need to be able to carry 900mA instead of 500mA for USB 2.0.
Additional information on USB 3.0 vs. 2.0 can be found here.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
|
show 4 more comments
USB 3.0 jacks will work with older USB 2.0 cords, but at USB 2.0 speeds. The newer USB 3.0 connectors have more wires to carry the higher data rate.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
add a comment |
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3 Answers
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3 Answers
3
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active
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The SuperSpeed transfer mode requires a USB 3.0 or higher cable. Earlier spec cables will still make a connection at a slower rate.
Source 1: USB 3.0 - Wikipedia
The VBUS, D−, D+, and GND pins are required for USB 2.0 communication.
The additional USB 3.0 pins are two differential pairs and one ground
(GND_DRAIN). The two additional differential pairs are for
SuperSpeed data transfer; they are used for full duplex SuperSpeed
signaling.
Source 2: USB 3.0 Super Speeds - USRobotics
USB 2.0 cables can be used with 3.0 ports but the transfer rate will
fall back to 2.0
Source 3: Are USB 3.0 cables different? - Answers - UserBenchmark
Yes, to get USB 3.0 speeds, you need special USB 3.0 cables. Yes, USB
3.0 cables are different. Even though you can connect a USB 3.0 device via a USB 2.0 cable, in order to achieve full USB 3.0 speeds you need
to re-wire any existing cabling. USB 3.0 cables are generally thicker
because they have nine internal wires versus four on USB 2.0 cables.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
|
show 1 more comment
The SuperSpeed transfer mode requires a USB 3.0 or higher cable. Earlier spec cables will still make a connection at a slower rate.
Source 1: USB 3.0 - Wikipedia
The VBUS, D−, D+, and GND pins are required for USB 2.0 communication.
The additional USB 3.0 pins are two differential pairs and one ground
(GND_DRAIN). The two additional differential pairs are for
SuperSpeed data transfer; they are used for full duplex SuperSpeed
signaling.
Source 2: USB 3.0 Super Speeds - USRobotics
USB 2.0 cables can be used with 3.0 ports but the transfer rate will
fall back to 2.0
Source 3: Are USB 3.0 cables different? - Answers - UserBenchmark
Yes, to get USB 3.0 speeds, you need special USB 3.0 cables. Yes, USB
3.0 cables are different. Even though you can connect a USB 3.0 device via a USB 2.0 cable, in order to achieve full USB 3.0 speeds you need
to re-wire any existing cabling. USB 3.0 cables are generally thicker
because they have nine internal wires versus four on USB 2.0 cables.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
|
show 1 more comment
The SuperSpeed transfer mode requires a USB 3.0 or higher cable. Earlier spec cables will still make a connection at a slower rate.
Source 1: USB 3.0 - Wikipedia
The VBUS, D−, D+, and GND pins are required for USB 2.0 communication.
The additional USB 3.0 pins are two differential pairs and one ground
(GND_DRAIN). The two additional differential pairs are for
SuperSpeed data transfer; they are used for full duplex SuperSpeed
signaling.
Source 2: USB 3.0 Super Speeds - USRobotics
USB 2.0 cables can be used with 3.0 ports but the transfer rate will
fall back to 2.0
Source 3: Are USB 3.0 cables different? - Answers - UserBenchmark
Yes, to get USB 3.0 speeds, you need special USB 3.0 cables. Yes, USB
3.0 cables are different. Even though you can connect a USB 3.0 device via a USB 2.0 cable, in order to achieve full USB 3.0 speeds you need
to re-wire any existing cabling. USB 3.0 cables are generally thicker
because they have nine internal wires versus four on USB 2.0 cables.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
The SuperSpeed transfer mode requires a USB 3.0 or higher cable. Earlier spec cables will still make a connection at a slower rate.
Source 1: USB 3.0 - Wikipedia
The VBUS, D−, D+, and GND pins are required for USB 2.0 communication.
The additional USB 3.0 pins are two differential pairs and one ground
(GND_DRAIN). The two additional differential pairs are for
SuperSpeed data transfer; they are used for full duplex SuperSpeed
signaling.
Source 2: USB 3.0 Super Speeds - USRobotics
USB 2.0 cables can be used with 3.0 ports but the transfer rate will
fall back to 2.0
Source 3: Are USB 3.0 cables different? - Answers - UserBenchmark
Yes, to get USB 3.0 speeds, you need special USB 3.0 cables. Yes, USB
3.0 cables are different. Even though you can connect a USB 3.0 device via a USB 2.0 cable, in order to achieve full USB 3.0 speeds you need
to re-wire any existing cabling. USB 3.0 cables are generally thicker
because they have nine internal wires versus four on USB 2.0 cables.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
edited Mar 21 at 3:32
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:27
StevenSteven
23.5k1076109
23.5k1076109
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
|
show 1 more comment
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
1
1
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
Is there any substance in the "usually blue" claim?
– Martin Argerami
Jul 7 '15 at 23:33
23
23
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
@MartinArgerami The usually blue applies to the plug (not the cable) - "Since USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports may coexist on the same machine and they look similar, USB 3.0 specification mandates appropriate color-coding and recommends that the Standard-A USB 3.0 connector has a blue insert (Pantone 300C color). The same color-coding applies to the USB 3.0 Standard-A plug"
– DavidPostill♦
Jul 8 '15 at 0:44
2
2
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
There's a semi-official colour scheme I've noticed with sockets - USB 3's blue, USB 2.0 charging connectors (which are powered even when the PC they are off) are sometimes yellow. I'd rather look at the connectors for identification since I have blue usb 2.0/1.1 cables.
– Journeyman Geek♦
Jul 8 '15 at 4:16
3
3
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
I understand that it's a quote, but I think that “will fall back...” should really be “will not magically increase”.
– Carsten S
Jul 8 '15 at 8:13
2
2
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
For completeness, it's worth mentioning that 10GB USB3.1 ports (twice as fast as the 3.0 standard) are commonly a lighter shade of blue. I don't know if this is an official recommendation or not; but has held with most of the 3.1 board prototypes I've seen so far.
– Dan Neely
Jul 9 '15 at 0:49
|
show 1 more comment
A "USB 3.0 connection" requires a USB 3.0 cable.
Some USB 3.0 devices can be connected and operated as a USB 2.0 device (at USB 2.0 speeds), using a USB 2.0 cable. However, speed is not the only issue.
There are at least three important differences in cable construction between the two standards.
Related to speed:
The USB 3.0 cable has 9 internal conductors vs. 4 in USB 2.0.
Four of the nine match the USB 2.0 configuration (two are for power and two are for signal). Connecting a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 cable uses those conductors and operates like a USB 2.0 device.
The other five are signal conductors, which are used for the communication method that provides USB 3.0 "superspeed" (a good general description can be found here).
USB 3.0 cables have a limit of 3 meters vs. the USB 2.0 limit of 5 meters.
(Note that this is a practical limit. The cable can be any length as long as it meets all of the electrical requirements in the specification. The 3 meter limit is based on maximum allowable losses using the largest recommended wire size so that the cable is flexible.) source: specs
Related to power:
A USB 2.0 cable may not be adequate for a high current USB 3.0 device.
Some USB 3.0 devices draw more power than USB 2.0 devices. The power conductors in USB 3.0 cables need to be able to carry 900mA instead of 500mA for USB 2.0.
Additional information on USB 3.0 vs. 2.0 can be found here.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
|
show 4 more comments
A "USB 3.0 connection" requires a USB 3.0 cable.
Some USB 3.0 devices can be connected and operated as a USB 2.0 device (at USB 2.0 speeds), using a USB 2.0 cable. However, speed is not the only issue.
There are at least three important differences in cable construction between the two standards.
Related to speed:
The USB 3.0 cable has 9 internal conductors vs. 4 in USB 2.0.
Four of the nine match the USB 2.0 configuration (two are for power and two are for signal). Connecting a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 cable uses those conductors and operates like a USB 2.0 device.
The other five are signal conductors, which are used for the communication method that provides USB 3.0 "superspeed" (a good general description can be found here).
USB 3.0 cables have a limit of 3 meters vs. the USB 2.0 limit of 5 meters.
(Note that this is a practical limit. The cable can be any length as long as it meets all of the electrical requirements in the specification. The 3 meter limit is based on maximum allowable losses using the largest recommended wire size so that the cable is flexible.) source: specs
Related to power:
A USB 2.0 cable may not be adequate for a high current USB 3.0 device.
Some USB 3.0 devices draw more power than USB 2.0 devices. The power conductors in USB 3.0 cables need to be able to carry 900mA instead of 500mA for USB 2.0.
Additional information on USB 3.0 vs. 2.0 can be found here.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
|
show 4 more comments
A "USB 3.0 connection" requires a USB 3.0 cable.
Some USB 3.0 devices can be connected and operated as a USB 2.0 device (at USB 2.0 speeds), using a USB 2.0 cable. However, speed is not the only issue.
There are at least three important differences in cable construction between the two standards.
Related to speed:
The USB 3.0 cable has 9 internal conductors vs. 4 in USB 2.0.
Four of the nine match the USB 2.0 configuration (two are for power and two are for signal). Connecting a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 cable uses those conductors and operates like a USB 2.0 device.
The other five are signal conductors, which are used for the communication method that provides USB 3.0 "superspeed" (a good general description can be found here).
USB 3.0 cables have a limit of 3 meters vs. the USB 2.0 limit of 5 meters.
(Note that this is a practical limit. The cable can be any length as long as it meets all of the electrical requirements in the specification. The 3 meter limit is based on maximum allowable losses using the largest recommended wire size so that the cable is flexible.) source: specs
Related to power:
A USB 2.0 cable may not be adequate for a high current USB 3.0 device.
Some USB 3.0 devices draw more power than USB 2.0 devices. The power conductors in USB 3.0 cables need to be able to carry 900mA instead of 500mA for USB 2.0.
Additional information on USB 3.0 vs. 2.0 can be found here.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
A "USB 3.0 connection" requires a USB 3.0 cable.
Some USB 3.0 devices can be connected and operated as a USB 2.0 device (at USB 2.0 speeds), using a USB 2.0 cable. However, speed is not the only issue.
There are at least three important differences in cable construction between the two standards.
Related to speed:
The USB 3.0 cable has 9 internal conductors vs. 4 in USB 2.0.
Four of the nine match the USB 2.0 configuration (two are for power and two are for signal). Connecting a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 cable uses those conductors and operates like a USB 2.0 device.
The other five are signal conductors, which are used for the communication method that provides USB 3.0 "superspeed" (a good general description can be found here).
USB 3.0 cables have a limit of 3 meters vs. the USB 2.0 limit of 5 meters.
(Note that this is a practical limit. The cable can be any length as long as it meets all of the electrical requirements in the specification. The 3 meter limit is based on maximum allowable losses using the largest recommended wire size so that the cable is flexible.) source: specs
Related to power:
A USB 2.0 cable may not be adequate for a high current USB 3.0 device.
Some USB 3.0 devices draw more power than USB 2.0 devices. The power conductors in USB 3.0 cables need to be able to carry 900mA instead of 500mA for USB 2.0.
Additional information on USB 3.0 vs. 2.0 can be found here.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
edited Jul 22 '15 at 19:18
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:32
fixer1234fixer1234
19.2k145082
19.2k145082
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
|
show 4 more comments
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
1
1
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
yep, it works with legacy USB speeds using legacy cords.
– Francisco Tapia
Jul 7 '15 at 15:42
1
1
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
@arielnmz: To achieve USB 3 speeds, the specs define the performance characteristics the wire needs to meet. I'm not familiar with whether UTP could meet the requirements, but the spec is here: intel.com/content/dam/doc/technical-specification/…
– fixer1234
Jul 7 '15 at 16:13
4
4
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
And note the reverse on power: I have a USB2 device that draws too much power, it originally had a two-headed cable that let it draw power from two ports at once. Now it's fed from a single USB3 port with no gripes about drawing too much.
– Loren Pechtel
Jul 7 '15 at 21:31
2
2
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
@Bilo: If you plug it into a USB 3 port it should work (a USB 2 port limits the current output to 500mA). But that's a waste of a USB 3 port. You would be better off getting a USB 3 enclosure for the drive and taking advantage of 10x the speed.
– fixer1234
Jul 11 '15 at 3:44
1
1
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
@JosephRogers, you're right. The USB port will be a bottleneck as long as it's slower than the peak transfer rate. You don't need to saturate it; performance will be degraded if the peaks exceed the bandwidth. On a good hard drive, that can be several times the USB 2.0 limit. With a good drive, you can benefit from USB 3.0's 10X speed, but you won't realize 10x the transfer rate. That was poor wording in my comment.
– fixer1234
Oct 3 '18 at 16:32
|
show 4 more comments
USB 3.0 jacks will work with older USB 2.0 cords, but at USB 2.0 speeds. The newer USB 3.0 connectors have more wires to carry the higher data rate.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
add a comment |
USB 3.0 jacks will work with older USB 2.0 cords, but at USB 2.0 speeds. The newer USB 3.0 connectors have more wires to carry the higher data rate.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
add a comment |
USB 3.0 jacks will work with older USB 2.0 cords, but at USB 2.0 speeds. The newer USB 3.0 connectors have more wires to carry the higher data rate.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
USB 3.0 jacks will work with older USB 2.0 cords, but at USB 2.0 speeds. The newer USB 3.0 connectors have more wires to carry the higher data rate.
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
answered Jul 7 '15 at 15:20
DrMoishe PippikDrMoishe Pippik
10.4k21432
10.4k21432
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
add a comment |
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
2
2
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
Is it the same with USB 1 cables? Will USB 1 cords work in a USB 3 jack at USB 1 speeds; or will they not work at all?
– user568458
Jul 7 '15 at 15:50
1
1
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
@user568458 - USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.X cables and devices. Since USB 3.0 devices plugged into a USB 2.0 port will act like a USB 2.0 device this means a USB 3.0 device when plugged into a USB 1.0 or 1.x port will act like a USB 1.0 or 1.x device.
– Ramhound
Jul 7 '15 at 16:26
3
3
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
@user568458 All USB cables were identical before USB 3.0.
– gronostaj
Jul 10 '15 at 8:58
add a comment |
protected by Community♦ Jul 7 '15 at 20:23
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