USB or PS2 for mouse?

[Rado45]

Hi, I've got a MX500 Logitech mouse and I got a USB to PS2 converter with the package. The mouse is now connected via the USB port, would it make any difference if I used the converter and connected it via the PS2 port? I thought that the maximum refresh rate for the mouse if it's connected via USB, is 125hz and via PS2 it's 200hz... would I get better performance in games if I connect the mouse to the PS2 port?

thx in advance for any advice

 

[WarSong]

I have a logitech dual optical and i use usb. I would only use ps/2 if I needed to use a KVM switch. As far as games go, I doubt you would notice much of a difference.

 

[Rado45]

Thx for the advice. Is there any disadvantage of using that USB-to-PS2 converter (a KVM switch I guess you call it), is there any lag or something ?

 

[WarSong]

hehe no a KVM switch is a keyboard-video-mouse switch like a belkin omniview to use two (or more) computers with one keyboard, mouse and monitor. These typically only accept ps/2 connections and that is why I mentioned that. there is nothing wrong with using a usb to ps/2 connector.

 

[Rado45]

lol, thx for correcting me

I think I'll keep my mouse in the USB port.

 

[Peter]

USB is the way to go. PS2 mouse connector actually is the auxiliary port of the ancient keyboard controller, an oooold (1977 or so), extremely unefficient 8-bit device connected to the ISA bus or whatever is left of it in modern systems. This one needs lots of CPU babysitting, and has a rather low event rate. Connect to USB to get your mouse onto a semi-intelligent, bus mastering controller on a fast bus (PCI at least, chipset integrated most of the time), for smoother mouse movement with less CPU load.

 

[Mem]

I use USB for gaming(keyboard and mouse) & its more then fine,PS2 will be phased out so get use to USB now .

 

[Zenmervolt]

I always use the PS/2 port. It doesn't take up more than 1% CPU usage on my P-III 850MHz laptop, and it's not like I'm having problems with the mouse not being smooth now that I've reset the PS/2 refresh rate to 200Hz.

ZV

 

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
I always use the PS/2 port. It doesn't take up more than 1% CPU usage on my P-III 850MHz laptop, and it's not like I'm having problems with the mouse not being smooth now that I've reset the PS/2 refresh rate to 200Hz.

Is that done in the BIOS?

So other than getting the mouse off the 8-bit PS2 interface, is there any real, tangible advantage to getting a USB mouse?

 

[corkyg]

You should also check to see if your mobo/BIOS supports USB mice when in a DOS boot mode. It's nice to have a mouse in DOS now and then with certain utilities needed for system maintenance and repair. Some newer mobos support USB in DOS, but many more do not.

 

[StrongBad]

Originally posted by: Peter
USB is the way to go. PS2 mouse connector actually is the auxiliary port of the ancient keyboard controller, an oooold (1977 or so), extremely unefficient 8-bit device connected to the ISA bus or whatever is left of it in modern systems. This one needs lots of CPU babysitting, and has a rather low event rate. Connect to USB to get your mouse onto a semi-intelligent, bus mastering controller on a fast bus (PCI at least, chipset integrated most of the time), for smoother mouse movement with less CPU load.

Thanks for the advice, I've heard lots of people argue that ps/2 port is better because you can bump the refresh rate up faster, but I've never heard anyone discribe the nature of the ps/2 crappyness... thanks!