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Greetings;
I am looking for an external HD to use as my digital music library - probably permanently hooked to my new "refurbished" pc desktop. I suddenly realized (just before I hit 'proceed to checkout') that I might need to be sure my new HD will work on my USB port??
How would I figure out what type of USB port I have? (2.0 - 3.0?)
and are all USB 3.0 external HDs back-compatible to 2.0?
I think I have at least 1 USB 2.0 port on my computer.
The desktop is:
Lenovo IBM ThinkCentre M55e Desktop PC - Intel Dual-Core 1.6GHz, 2GB DDR2, 80GB HDD, DVD-ROM, Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit (joy systems refurbished - tiger direct)
thanks in advance
Kelly
Storage forum: USB port type for external HD compatibility . ?
by: hondochica December 20, 2012 5:59 PM PST
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Total posts: 6 (Showing page 1 of 1)
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This is a bad idea.
by R. Proffitt 
- 12/20/12 6:19 PM
In Reply to: USB port type for external HD compatibility . ? by hondochica
The CNET Storage Forum has too many posts where folk use an external for such and it's their last and only copy.
Has anyone warned you about this?
Sure, it's your stuff, not mine so I'll warn you about USB 3.0 too. Great if it works, Dell had a time with it so if your PC has 3.0, go for it. If not, 2.0
The model I see looks to be 2.0
Bob
howdy . .
by hondochica - 12/20/12 6:24 PM
In Reply to: This is a bad idea. by R. Proffitt
just dropped you a note on my last question re: graphics card! and here you are! lucky me!!
no . . . no one has 'warned' me about anything! I was reviewing the specs of a seagate hard drive just before I bought it and found "USB 3.0" . . . which got me wondering.
so. . . I'm pretty sure I have at least 1 USB 2 port, should I look for only external HDs that are 2.0 compatible and ignore anything with 3.0? if a HD has 3.0 but says it's back-compatible to 2.0 is that ok?
HELP!! ;-)))
kelly
For folk with USB 2 ports.
by R. Proffitt - 12/20/12 6:31 PM
In Reply to: howdy . . by hondochica
I think it's a good idea to ignore USB 3.0. Some may disagree but the backwards compatibility is not always working. See those folk that try them on Smart TVs.
Before I'd commit to an external I'd need 2 more for the backups.
If you recall your old IT school, you don't get into the state of backup without 3 copies.
Remember these are your files so your choice on how well protected they must be. The posts and cries for help with externals are plentiful.
Bob
if not external?
by hondochica - 12/20/12 6:46 PM
In Reply to: For folk with USB 2 ports. by R. Proffitt
So what exactly are you saying here? aside from needing backups in triplicate (like carbon copies - speaking of 'old school'!)
Should I be adding? or upgrading the internal hard drive? I didn't realize there was really a difference. Just figured the 'external' was an internal with a different box! also figured since it will be sitting next to the desktop - permanently, not much danger of damage (no plugging in and out; not going to drop the thing, etc etc)
If you're suggesting I add/replace the internal HD - I'm calling an IT guy - got no time for this! But that's ok too!
Kelly
If you can install a video card.
by R. Proffitt - 12/21/12 2:52 PM
In Reply to: if not external? by hondochica
I bet you can install an internal drive.
Internal drives tend to not suffer the fate of externals but you still need backups (many choose not to.)
Bob
Total posts: 6 (Showing page 1 of 1)
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