Will a USB3 work in a USB2 socket


  1. Posts : 350
    Windows10 Home (x64) Version 1803
       #1

    Will a USB3 work in a USB2 socket


    My computer is eight years and I am presuming it has USB2. I am not interested in speed but want to use a WD Element with a 3 USB for an external back up. Is it workable please?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 26,416
    Windows 11 Pro 22631.3374
       #2

    Yes it is backward compatible. It will function but not at the speed of a USB3.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #3

    Hi there

    usually USB3 is backward compatible with USB2 -- maybe some ultra modern devices might not work but typical USB 3 external drives etc work fine -- although at USB 2 speeds (could be as much as 8 - 10 X slower).

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 350
    Windows10 Home (x64) Version 1803
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thank you gentlemen. As I said, I am not interested in speed. When you get to 86, you don't do speed, you just want quality and performance. I didn't want to buy a WD Elements 2TB which had a USB 3 that would not work on my computer. I thought a USB was a bigger size than the one's I have. Thanks again for your help.

    Regards,
    Ron
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #5

    I double checked. The USB Elements drive has a USB 3.0 interface. It ought to work for you.

    I was concerned that it might be a USB 3.1 drive with a type C connector. It is not. If it was, you could still use it, but you'd need a type C to type A adapter (inexpensive). Probably too much information.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 350
    Windows10 Home (x64) Version 1803
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you for the info, much obliged.
      My Computer


 

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