USB CABLES USB 1 and USB 2

[Mayfriday0529]

Are there any real differences between USB 1 cables and USB 2 cables. i have a bunch of USB cables that i can get from work standard generic cables.

I see in stores they sell USB 2 cables for dramatic price of almost 20 dollars! are they really different.
do you require a USB 2 cable for USB 2 device or USB 1 will work.

 

[labrat25]

last time i checked, copper wires are copper wires IMHO

 

[Goi]

Valid question though, I'd like to know as well. Perhaps there are more conductors or they have better signal integrity due to shielding or other noise reduction methods, I don't know.

 

[tallman45]

Originally posted by: labrat25
last time i checked, copper wires are copper wires IMHO

Cat 1 vs Cat 6 have major differences. It all depends on the type and quality of the shielding

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Yes very valid questoin someone must know, going to look online.

as i stated before we have lots of USB cables at work, i just found a brand new cable and has sticker that says "Hi-Speed USB Certified" and then we have a bunch of regular ones. companies must be making crap up so we buy new cables and pay more money.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

I seem to have got an answered as stated here from the www.usb.org forum site.

USB 1.1 cables vs. USB 2.0 cables - how to tell
Frankly, there's no easy way to tell. Older, high-quality USB cables often work fine with USB 2.0. The standard as set by the USB-IF for USB 1.1 cables was sufficient for USB 2.0 devices. Many cheap cables which did not meet the USB-IF's standards were made and sold. These seemed to work fine for USB 1.1 devices, but fail utterly with USB 2.0. Certified USB 2.0 cables should have the Hi-Speed USB logo on a tag or a plug. They may have "USB 2.0" or "Rev. 2" printed on the cord insulation. In the end, the best way to tell is to test the cable yourself.

i guess there is no difference except if its really old and what you see in stores is just a way for companies to make more money by saying they are gold shild and other crap.

 

[BlackMountainCow]

AFAIK u can use "any" USB1 cable for "any" USB2 connection and vice versa.

 

[Cerb]

You'r going to the wrong stores. Try a place like Sam's or BJ'.
Sam's CLub here sells a 3-pack of hi-speed 6-ft AB cables for $10 .
Cables = high margin for most stores. You can find 100ft of Cat5e for $10, or buy it any day of the week for $40 at an office supply place.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Costco sells a package of USB 2.0 cables. 3 A-B cables and 1 extension.

 

[Goi]

What about if your extend the cable length by connecting several shorter USB cables? Aren't the connections gonna degrade the signal quality/strength even if you're keeping within USB's 5m max cable length spec?

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: Goi
What about if your extend the cable length by connecting several shorter USB cables? Aren't the connections gonna degrade the signal quality/strength even if you're keeping within USB's 5m max cable length spec?

Probably, but try it--worst case online stores have long cabls pretty cheap. Also, you might, note MIGHT, be able to ge extra length by using a powered hub. Not sue on that, and doubt it fit pecs but I wouldn't be suprisd if it works.

 

[Jeff7]

I bought a "USB A-B cable" on eBay for $1 plus shipping (only $2.50 for shipping I believe; there actually are reasonable sellers there). I tried it vs a "genuine USB 2.0" with an external hard drive enclosure. The speeds varied slightly, like maybe 1%, with the generic thing slightly ahead in all tests, but it was marginal. If the cable itself is good, you should be fine, 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
I bought a "USB A-B cable" on eBay for $1 plus shipping (only $2.50 for shipping I believe; there actually are reasonable sellers there). I tried it vs a "genuine USB 2.0" with an external hard drive enclosure. The speeds varied slightly, like maybe 1%, with the generic thing slightly ahead in all tests, but it was marginal. If the cable itself is good, you should be fine, 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0.

Ebay might have good prices on items, but shipping charges are such ripoffs. thats my 2c's on Ebay sellers.

 

[Sheriff]

There is a minimum requirement for a USB Cable to become HiSpeed Certified but most USB Full Speed cables exceed it. I have run into a few Cases that will not work at HiSpeed by connecting the front Full Speed Cables to the MoBo.