Computer help forum: USB1 to USB2, is there a way ?

Thanks yewanchors
I had the same question. Will buying a USB hub just as good as getting a new motherboard then?
Mir.

A hub connected to USB 1.1 (or 1.0) cannot go faster than USB 1.1, even if it is certified for USB 2.0. Also, many items will require an externally powered hub since the current coming from the USB port through the hub is generally not enough to drive the device.

I've seen some very cheap USB 2.0 PCI cards on eBay, offering 4 ports. You must have a spare PCI slot on your motherboard and be willing to open your computer case. If you have a laptop, you can get a USB 2.0 PCMCIA card, but check to see whether it will be able to power your device without an additional power supply.

I would not advise upgrading your motherboard just to get USB 2.0 ports. There are new or refurbished computers with USB 2.0 ports available for under $300. Your existing memory and other components probably won't work on a new motherboard.

Whether you need to upgrade to USB 2.0 is dependent on what you want to do. Most devices except external DVD writers and a few other devices will work on USB 1.1--just slower. Depending on the size of the files you are planning to store in the flash memory and the frequency you plan to do so, you might find that upgrading is not worth the effort.

I tried adding a USB hub first, and did not notice much improvement. Then I installed a PCI card to upgrade to 2.0, with better results. This was on a Gateway PII-233Mz [66 bus], so, like the ads say, "your results may vary"!

I recently had a computer crash using Widows ME and upgraded to XP Pro. After buying some external devices was receiving the same messages. I purchased a 2.0 PCI card for my computer and installed it in 5 minutes. XP will install drivers automatically. A simple job and easy to do if you are comfortable with working inside your computer. The new devices work at three times the speed of a 1.0 USB port.

I just bought a USB 2 card from OfficeMax for about $30.
It comes with everything you need to install and run it.
It plugs into a PCI slot inside your computer.
Just read the instructions BEFORE you install it.
Driver first, then the USB 2 ports.

I needed to add USB 2.0 to a few year old HP desktop, to support a Plextor ConvertX device. Installing a 5-port PCI card was no problem, and the drivers installed perfectly. All of my devices work off those new ports except my Epson R300 printer, which had been working fine off the USB 1.1 ports for 6 months. Now, when I plug the printer into a new 2.0 port and turn it on, I get the Blue Screen of Death, and have to disconnect the printer and reboot. If I plug it into one of the 1.1 ports it now doen't work at all. I know the printer is O.K., because I can drive it off my laptop with no problem. Help me solve this mystery.

Try adding a USB 1.1 mini-hub to one of your 2.0 ports...will drop throughput to 1.1 on any device plugged into same...you can get one here! Good luck.

http://www.provantage.com/buy-7MCRH003-micro-xtend-hub-4-port-usb-innovations-hubs-switches-adapters-usb304p-shopping.htm

First, I'm not sure how you found the question in the first place and..

Second, I'm pretty sure the person you responded to won't see it..

Thanks for your input though..

Hope this helps.

Grif

You can upgrade to USB 2.0 if you have an empty PCI slot on your motherboard. They come with 2 or 4 USB inputs. I have noticed that many on the new devices can be used on USB 1.1 and USB 2.0, but they will run slower of USB 1.1. With these USB PCI cards, they come with its drivers in case if you need them to get the board operationing properly. In most cases with Windows XP SP2 you may not need their software drivers, its has it's own drivers.

Watch for the systems specifications that are required for these cards and check to see in your computer meets those requirements.

I hopes this helps you.

DRR

I also have a Dell, it is an excellent system that I purchased 2 1/2 yrs ago; unfortunately it was equipped with USB 1.1. I contacted Dell support two months ago and they told me to buy a PCI USB 2 Card and install it.

I have not done so as I am a bit squimish about opening my system. IN time i will though.

As with all things cyber-conected READ and Follow the directions and contact system tech for information before proceeding.

You didn't reveal which Apple or such machine you have. Laptops would take some PC-CARD USB 2.0 cards and there are no PCMCIA USB 2.0 cards.

The lack of detail in your post shows that the FORUM TIP is not working. Here it is so we know you won't miss out.

Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution.

You can read a lament about this at http://www.usbman.com as well.

16-bit PCMCIA USB 2.0 cards were never found.

Bob

It would certainly help if we knew your operating system though...??

See the link below:

How Do I Determine What Version of USB I'm Using?

Open Device Manager, click the + sign next to ''Universal Serial Bus Controller'', then view the specific devices. If ''Enhanced'' Host Controller'' and/or ''USB 2.0 Root Hub Device'' is listed, then the computer has USB 2.0 ports. If ''Universal Host Controller'' and/or ''Open Host Controller'' is listed, then the computer has USB 1.1 ports.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Is there a card for my Mac G4 that I can install to convert from USB1.1 to USB 2.0