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USB Compatibility

Discussion in 'Other Hardware' started by rjshenal, Jan 25, 2004.

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  1. rjshenal Newcomer, in training

    Hello All:

    Not quite sure where to put this, so I'll start here.

    My current computer has USB 1.1. If I purchased a USB external HDD which today would be USB 2.0, I'm sure, would the USB 2.0 HDD be campatible/work with the USB 1.1 on my computer?

    Thanks in advance
    rjshenal
    rjshenal, Jan 25, 2004
    #1

  2. StormBringer Newcomer, in training

    no, a usb 2.0 device needs a usb 2.0 compatible port. USB 2.0 ports however, will work with older 1.1 devices.
    StormBringer, Jan 25, 2004
    #2

  3. Nodsu Newcomer, in training

    There are external drives that support both 1.1 and 2.0 USB. You just have to look at the specs.
    Nodsu, Jan 26, 2004
    #3

  4. Rick TechSpot Staff

    USB 2.0 devices are backwards compatible with USB 1.1. It will run a greatly reducded speed though.

    So, yes... Your external 2.0 drive will work and will work fine on an older computer. It will just be slow.
    Rick, Jan 26, 2004
    #4

  5. RealBlackStuff Newcomer, in training

    Just buy an internal PCI-card with USB2 from e.g. Belkin.
    Attach that HD to it and you have a new uncle (Bob)
    RealBlackStuff, Jan 26, 2004
    #5

  6. rjshenal Newcomer, in training

    Thanks for all the info...really appreciate it,
    If I get a USB2 card and install it, what happens to the old USB 1.1 that is already installed? I have my printer connected to the USB 1.1, will it still work?

    Thanks

    rjshenal


    :D
    rjshenal, Jan 26, 2004
    #6

  7. Nodsu Newcomer, in training

    It will work fine (in theory anyway)
    Nodsu, Jan 26, 2004
    #7

  8. Arris TechSpot Evangelist

    Yes your USB 1.1 controller which is on your motherboard will still function as it always has, whilst the PCI USB 2.0 controller card will operate independantly through the PCI bus.
    Arris, Jan 26, 2004
    #8
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