Do I need USB 2.0?

[Raizinman]

I'm getting a new computer. It has 5 USB ports on it. Three are USB 2.0 and two are USB 3.0. Most of my Jump Drives and external Hard Drives are USB 3.0. Since having all USB 3.0 ports are downward compatible, would it not be beneficial to convert all the USB ports to 3.0? Don't they have some cards that can go into a slot in your computer to allow for more USB 3.0 slots? I could really use at least 3 USB 3.0 slots right from the get-go.

 

[Cerb]

Some devices don't like Intel's current USB 3.0 in desktop chipsets (I don't recall if Broadwell mobile has updated ones). Most such devices work fine with Renesas/NEC USB 3.0 controllers, though, so will likely work fine with newer controllers from Intel (don't know that, but it seems likely, given their roadmaps, and that users don't like replacing working peripherals). They tend to be keyboard, trackpad, and mouse controllers. My USB->PS/2 dongle, FI, doesn't work with USB 3.0 on the 7-series.

Your new computer more than likely has the 2 USB 3.0 ports due to chipset cost, though having one or two non-3.0 is often done even if not necessary, due to rare compatibility issues.

If you have the slot spare, a 4-port Renesas-based card would be a solid addition. Some storage devices can get a bit faster with Asmedia chipsets, but Renesas has compatibility going for it, and can still do well enough to saturate most drives, and the lone PCIe lane it's on, even so.

However, you cannot convert 2.0 ports to 3.0, only add them. So, if you want more front USB 3.0 ports, you'll need to get a card with a header, and 3.5" or 5.25" bay device(s).

 

[mvbighead]

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Por...F8&qid=1428424975&sr=1-1&keywords=usb+3.0+hub

This would also work. So long as you're not trying push full bandwidth across all devices simultaneously, and even then, it'd probably be fine.

As for 2.0, use it on your mouses/keyboards etc. No sense using 3.0 ports on those types of devices.

 

[mfenn]

In addition to the issues that Cerb mentioned, the drivers for USB 3.0 controllers aren't as standardized/ubiquitous as the ones for USB 2.0 controllers, so you can run into issues with things like KB/mouse support in OS installers as well as booting/installing from USB 3.0.

 

[PliotronX]

Some devices don't like Intel's current USB 3.0 in desktop chipsets (I don't recall if Broadwell mobile has updated ones). Most such devices work fine with Renesas/NEC USB 3.0 controllers, though, so will likely work fine with newer controllers from Intel (don't know that, but it seems likely, given their roadmaps, and that users don't like replacing working peripherals). They tend to be keyboard, trackpad, and mouse controllers. My USB->PS/2 dongle, FI, doesn't work with USB 3.0 on the 7-series.

Your new computer more than likely has the 2 USB 3.0 ports due to chipset cost, though having one or two non-3.0 is often done even if not necessary, due to rare compatibility issues.

If you have the slot spare, a 4-port Renesas-based card would be a solid addition. Some storage devices can get a bit faster with Asmedia chipsets, but Renesas has compatibility going for it, and can still do well enough to saturate most drives, and the lone PCIe lane it's on, even so.

However, you cannot convert 2.0 ports to 3.0, only add them. So, if you want more front USB 3.0 ports, you'll need to get a card with a header, and 3.5" or 5.25" bay device(s).

Dang, never thought of the Intel chipset being the culprit. We have had newer computers with all but one 3.0 port on the back. My coworkers were scratching their heads wondering why they couldn't get into the BIOS with any keyboards and then I spotted the only port not marked SS and with a black tongue (rather than blue). Plugged the board in there and was in business. Made it kind of a pain to reload Windows with just a keyboard what with all the tab mashing but it worked.

Figures, my Renesas AIB is a rockstar. UASP support for when it's matched with a high speed enclosure too. Now if AMD boards used more of these chips, 3.0 would be pretty good on the AMD platform. I do like how some boards have just 2.0 ports where the ol' PS2 dinosaurs used to reside. Makes me grin for some reason.

 

[escrow4]

Must be a rubbish PC. 2 USB 3 ports is laptop territory. My Z87 board has 6 USB 3 on the back and up to 4 on the front. Plus 2 eSATA connectors for some reason.

The insult was not necessary to make your point. Please stick to the facts.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Must be a rubbish PC. 2 USB 3 ports is laptop territory. My Z87 board has 6 USB 3 on the back and up to 4 on the front. Plus 2 eSATA connectors for some reason.

For Z87 -- definitely an advantage. If I'm not mistaken, some Z77 boards used Intel USB 3 controllers over the Asmedia and other "extras" on boards of the earlier generation.

I've come around to the view that I only need so many USB3 ports to take full advantage of the speed. I still have a lot of USB2 storage devices, so I can also find use for some USB2 ports, or I can use the same devices with USB3 ports.

If the board has the standard 20-pin plug for USB3, products like this come in handy. I use them:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PG2116422&cm_re=Connectland_USB3_3.5%22-_-9SIA0PG2116422-_-Product

You can also obtain a USB3 hub - hopefully with the cable fitted for the 20-pin motherboard plug and not models that snake a USB3 to USB3 cable out a PCI slot to fit a USB3 port at the I/O plate. Those hubs don't cost a lot, but they range in price between $20 and $50, last time I looked.

Keep in mind that with a hub (assume it's a 4-port design), the motherboard USB3 controller must have the resources to support it, or you'll have trouble. That's why the Connectland 2-port front-panel item is a sure thing.

PS Apparently I was the first and only person to write a review for the Connectland USB3 front-panel. What else better do I have time to do?

Anyway -- it's simple, it's sturdy, and it works. And since the OP already has the 2 USB3 ports, his motherboard port is already occupied. So . . . look at the PCI_E USB3 controllers, which are also equipped with such a plug.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Figures, my Renesas AIB is a rockstar. UASP support for when it's matched with a high speed enclosure too. Now if AMD boards used more of these chips, 3.0 would be pretty good on the AMD platform. I do like how some boards have just 2.0 ports where the ol' PS2 dinosaurs used to reside. Makes me grin for some reason.

The integrated AMD xHCI controller is a licensed NEC/Renesas design, so in effect they do already...

 

[PliotronX]

The integrated AMD xHCI controller is a licensed NEC/Renesas design, so in effect they do already...

Well snap! I will keep that in mind when recommending systems to people who use a lot of 3.0 devices. Thanks :thumbsup: