My older computers only have USB 2.0. Can the USB 3.0 connector physically connect to USB 2.0? If not, is a converter available from somewhere?
512454
Yes, the connector is compatible. The drive will operate correctly but at USB 2.0 transfer rates.
512455
USB 3.0, the latest version of USB (Universal Serial Bus), provides better speed and more efficient power management than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices; however, data transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0 levels when these devices inter-operate. The connection is the same.
512456
Yes, the Seagate hard drive works with either 2.0 or 3.0 . . . the transfer rate is faster with 3.0
512457
It's the same connection- 2.0 just has a slower transfer rate. No adapter needed. Hope this helps.
512458
Hi, Ed. Yep, it will fit. USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors in computers are the same size.
512459
The connector is similar and the cable which comes with the unit is compatible with USB2. I have used the drive on multiple computers, some of which have USB2 and others with USB3. The USB subsystem adapts seamlessly.
650932
In addition to my earlier answer: You have to use a USB 2.0 port, cause you are right under powered 3.0
1199682
Probably a USB 2.0. I seriously doubt it's a 3.0. Doesn't matter as the serial port is MUCH slower anyway. The USB 3.0 computer port will work with slower stuff.
36842
USB 3 is backward compatible with USB 2. You just won't see the speed benefit of USB 3
735302
USB 2.0 needs a 2.0 cable, 3.0 needs a 3.0 cable. A 2.0 cable is USB on either end. The 3.0 has one USB and one MiniUSB connecting to the hard drive. They are not compatible. Please note about this hard drive, that it does not come with a US power cord/adapter. While in the manual it does show one, in the actual package I was bummed to find I didn't get one.(I bought one at the local radio shack)
1534644
Yes, this drive is completely backward compatible with USB 2.0. I use it on my older, HP Pavilion desktop PC which "only" has USB 2.0 and it works flawlessly. Purchase with confidence.
605626
Yes. I use a USB 2.0 model on my desktop. I ordered this one for a friend in Africa who has not yet received it. I researched it to make sure that a 3.0 USB would work if the computer only had 2.0 USB and was told it would; it just wouldn't have the speed of 3.0. I haven't noticed any speed issues with my 2.0 so I doubt speed would be an issue.
1833701
Yes this devise will work on a USB 2.0 port. But as with any legacy device, your transfer speeds will be reduced due to USB 2.0 being a slower input/output channel than USB 3.0.
1013794
Yes. USB3 is backward compatible with USB2, and the USB3 cable plugs into a USB2 port in your computer.
1993864
I know it's backward compatible with 2.0 (just won't get the high speed transfer), and I'm pretty sure it's compatible with 1.1 since this is what their website states for requirements:"Desktop or notebook PC with an available USB port (USB 3.0 recommended)"
267661
Yes Tracy, it comes with a cable with a standard USB type A male on one end (the one that connects to your computer) to a USB Micro type B (the one that plugs into the drive) these are all standard cable/connections, for the USB 3.0 specification and fully compatible with USB 2.0, these are not proprietary connectors, I actually ordered an extra cable just in case mine goes bad or I loose it, so don't worry, you're set to go right out of the box.Thank you for your question, and have a great day!
36841
My similar drive (5TB) is also equipped for USB 3, but it works great on my 2.0 ports. I assume it could transfer faster on 3.0, but there's no incompatibility.
689786
FYI --- I answer this whole question about USB 2 and USB 3, how you can use a USB 2.0 cable with USB 3, and all of these issues in detail in my review here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RASVQKPFMCLG3/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
922221
my PC has 2 USB ports that are 3.0 if that's the question you're referring to
1570351
I have tried several 3.0 connections. My latest results are that unless your export and your imports are of the same 3.0 (USB 3.0) you will never be able to communicate.
1656627
You bet! USB 3.0 supports exponentially faster transfer rates, but it's also backwards compatible to work with 2.0 device connections.
2282981
Yes it will work with a USB 2.0 because that all I have in my computers..it works like a charm...