Need Some Clarification on USB 3.0...

[hell_storm2004]

Hello Guys,

Been away for a while. I need some clarification about USB 3.0. I have an old PC, which i plan to sell off as I am planning to move into a new location and i will get a new build after i move.

But before i do that i would like to backup all the data i have on my HDD.

I was planning on getting this (2TB version):

http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/expansion-hard-drive/

The drive is USB 3.0 and my old PC is just USB 2.0. I know that USB 3.0 is backward compatible. I just wanted to know that would i be needing different cables to connect this to my old PC? Or are USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 cables the same? This one comes with only a USB 3.0 cable as far as i know.

Never owned a USB 3.0 stuff so don't have info about the cables and what they look like!

 

[willard]

USB cables of all types are compatible with all standards, even if they are quite different. USB 3.0 cables have additional pins, but they were placed in such a way that the cable will plug in to a USB 2.0 port and function normally. The extra pins simply contact the insulator and do nothing, while the other pins are wired the same as they always were.

 

[Pyree]

Not always the case.

USB standard A, micro A and mini B are compatible between 2.0 and 3.0 cable but with different speed. But standard B and micro B USB 3.0 cable will not fit into USB 2.0 device, however, standard B and micro B USB 2.0 cable will fit into USB 3.0 device.

Not sure about mini A. I don't have a USB 3.0 device that use mini A yet.

The Seagate drive use mini B and standard A, so you should be fine with the USB 3.0 cable it come with or with you USB 2.0 cable. Of course, the speed will be at 2.0 if you use the 2.0 cable, also because you don't have a USB 3.0 controller.

 

[willard]

But standard B and micro B USB 3.0 cable will not fit into USB 2.0 device, however, standard B and micro B USB 2.0 cable will fit into USB 3.0 device.

Interesting. I've only run into standard A cables, and found no references to the other standards when I Googled and (incorrectly) assumed that the efforts to maintain backward compatibility applied to all of them.

Good to know.

 

[RetiredChief]

Your problem is not the cable. The supplied cable (and true for almost all external USB3 HDD), the end that plugs in to the Computer fits the most commonly used standard USB 3 or 2 Port. The supplied cable will work with either USB2 or USB 3 computer port.

Two comments:
1) If using USB 2 computer port, I highly recommend using a Powered USB Hub. USB 2 has Limited Power capabilities and will NOT provide enough power for some "laptop" HDD Possible exception if supplied cable has a "Y" usb cable that will plug into two usb 2 ports. USB3 port normally will. but no guarantee.

2) Looking at newegg, I would NOT buy that Drive. Newegg did not show that specific one but the stats are not favorible for the smaller 1 & 1.5 TB drives. Also I've seen some neg feedback on the WD 1 and > TB Passport drives.
Ref: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007601%2050001305%20600030763%20600003490%20600003484&IsNodeId=1&name=Seagate

... Might look at buying your Own enclosure and a seperate drive (make your Own).
One advantage is that you can buy multiple HDDs and swap in and out of your enclosure as needed.
A 2nd advantage, is that You get to choose which HDD goes into the enclosure, ie a reliable one!!
Looking at the Laptop 2/1/2 in drives, I' probably NOT buy a 1 TH (or Larger), but go for the 750 G as More reliable.

Enclosure: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256077

Or go with a 3 1/2 in inclosurer and a standared HDD (NOT these would come with it's own Brick for power thus less porable, BUT do not have to draw power from Computer USB port). Larger slection for both enclosure and for larger than 1 TB Drives

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'd get this which I find much more useful being able to pop standard drives in and out

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153133

 

[RetiredChief]

^ jack, Concept great, But I would not buy that specific one based on the reviews.

 

[hell_storm2004]

So you guys are suggesting i get WD Green drive (2TB) or something and get an enclosure? The only problem is that it pushes the cost up a lot. With HDD prices so high i have to pay a lot more to make it up.

I need 2TB as the amount of data i have is around 1.7TB.

Thanks about the USB 3.0 doubts.

 

[Pyree]

A dock + HDD is going to cost a bit more than buying the Seagate Goflex drive. But you can now buy bare HDD, as many as you need, which in long term save you money.

 

[hell_storm2004]

Yeah. But have to find a good enclosure. Let me search for them.

 

[Pyree]

Vantec

 

[hell_storm2004]

I am not from US. I am from India.

Many brands which you guys may suggest may not be available here. Let me see if i can find some.

 

[RetiredChief]

Understand about availability.
As to WD green. I do not recommend. 31% neg feed back (1/2 egg reviews) @ newegg. It will do you no good to save by buying a unreliable HDD and only have to iether RMA it a year from now (and lose the data on it), or half to buy a new one just after the warenttee runs out.
Ref: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136891&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo

My Normal recommendation: Stay away from the "green" & "blue" WD drives. The two that I currently buy are the WD Blacks and the Samsung F3.

Even thoe you are in India, you can still use Newegg as a refernce for checking what you plan on Buying in India.

 

[hell_storm2004]

I found lots of SATA 6.0 Gb/s HDD's within my budget. But all cases i found were SATA 3.0 Gb/s! Will it be a problem?

I know SATA II can be configured with SATA, but can i do it in casings?

 

[RetiredChief]

Both Sata II and Sata III HDDs will work on either a Sata II or Sata III port.
As to enclousers, Both drives will work fine in a sata II enclouser, Just a limit on burst speed, which is no biggy, And if going into a USB 3 port, NO diff in HDD performance.