Computer help forum: Compatibility between USB 2.0 & USB

Now I read somewhere that I can plug in a USB 2.0 device into a USB port, but could there possibly be a performance (or speed) slump that goes with it?

Also, I have a lot of cables; I only suspect they are USB cables as opposed to USB 2.0 because I have had them for approximately 4 years. I don't really know how old they are. How can I distinguish between a USB cable from a USB 2.0?

Some USB 2.0 devices can be used in USB 1.1, but not all. The only way to know is to check the packaging of the device, ask someone who's done it with that specific device, try it yourself, or call the manufacturer. I suggest you buy a USB 2.0 card from Newegg.com and some USB 2.0 cables and be done with it. The parts are dirt cheap.

Good Luck

-Nate

I think it was "Maximum PC" that did some lab test on cables from the cheapest old 1.1 to some USB 2.0 cables marketed by Monster Cable and found no major differences with how there performed. If my memory is correct they use an external storge device with their test.

To my knowledge, there is no difference between a USB 1 CABLE and a USB 2.0 cable except marketing hype. I have used both with no difference. However, if you computer port is USB 1.0 and not 2.0 your device will either not run at all or if you are lucky will run but at the slower USB 1.0 speed. The cable will make no difference as they are wired exactly the same. For example if you plug in a jump drive directly to the port (no cable) it will usually run but a message will come up telling you you are not getting the full speed of the device because you did not plug it in to a USB 2.0 compliant port. So the real issue is the Port version you already have, not the cable.

My computer is just old enough (or should I say new enough?) to make me think it should have USB 2.0 ports, but how can I be sure. When I bring up the spec's on my computer I can't see where it says... Is there a way to tell? I sometimes have trouble getting things to work. When connecting my HP printer, I have to use the parallel port (BTW - the HP printer has both ways of connecting it), but my Compaq notebook runs the HP Printer from the USB 2.0 port just fine.
Thanks,
-Ross-

I have a Dell desktop running XP Home Edition. According to my Device Manager I have 5 USB ports, but only one is USB2. How do I determine which one is the USB2?

I have a SONY VAIO and the marketing material says it has two USB 2.0 ports. There are six USB ports total. I also want to know how to identify the 2.0 ports.

Would it kill these manufactures to put a label on the dang ports?

SigmaGeek

And your point is? When my computer was built, there was USB 2.0. It has it, 2 ports of it.

That message suggest that you don't have the hardware for USB 2.0, not that your OS don't support it.
I have an AMD Thunderbird 1400 runing windows 2000 sp4 and USB 2.0 is running very well.
I have an USB 2.0/firewhire card installed since my motherboard only have USB 1.x hardware. That card costed me about CDN$12.00. 4+1 internal USB 2.0 ports and 2+1 internal firewhire ports. Pluged it in, plug a device in, instant full USB 2.0 speed. Nothing to configure.

Works fine.

Bob

I have over a dozen of both of these in a drawer-mixed up and the idiot that developed the 2.0 cable did not have the sense to design into the connector a method to visibly determine between the two very different cables. Stand up Mr. 2.0 designer you get the Head up your ****** of the year award! A Designer always documents all design changes and IDs the new design so it is easy to determine which product you have at hand.

Where is the marking? On the cable orf on the plugs?