UASP under W7 dependent only on chipset/drivers?

[MichaelD]

Basically, what I would like to know is: Can Windows7 support UASP?

While doing research for a new USB 3.0 External HD enclosure, I found out about UASP. I understand that both ends must support UASP in order for it to work.

I.E. the USB3.0 controller on the motherboard or PCI-E card must support UASP AND whatever device you're plugging into it, like an ext HD must also support UASP.

Does UASP also depend on the operating system? I know Windows7 does not NATIVELY support UASP, but I DO NOT KNOW if that matters or not, b/c the chipsets of the USB3.0 controllers (and their drivers) are what determine UASP support.

I found this article saying "W7 UASP support might come out after Windows8", but the article is roughly 18 months old. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/usb-3-uas-turbo,3215-4.html

 

[mfenn]

Yes, it can work in Windows if you have the proper USB controller and driver. For example, ASUS supports it on the ASM1042 controller, branding it as "Turbo" mode.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks, mfenn. I am planning on buying a USB3.0 UASP-enabled PCI-E card to put in my NAS/file server and a UASP-enabled Ext HD enclosure....both from the same manufacturer, just to be safe.

I did a cursory such for a Windows Update explicitly to support UASP...didn't find anything.

 

[mfenn]

I don't think you're going to find one for Windows 7. MS has a habit of not supporting new protocols in an older OS in order to encourage upgrades. A manufacturer of PCIe (or otherwise) USB 3.0 controllers is of course free to implement UASP in their own driver.