Can I use USB extension cable with USB 3.0 thumb drive


  1. Posts : 73
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Can I use USB extension cable with USB 3.0 thumb drive


    I have a USB extension cable that came with a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse. It's about 6 feet long. The color of the "tongue" inside the USB connectors is white (not blue, which usually denotes USB3.0).

    I want to use it to make it easier to swap USB3.0 thumb drives without having to reach around to the back of my PC. (Why on Earth don't they put USB3 ports on the front panel?)

    Will this still give me the transfer rates of USB3.0?
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    USB3 connectors have more physical connectors than USB2.

    USB 3.0 cables facilitate the faster transfer rates of 4.8Gbps as well as the additional power transfer of 900 mA by doubling the amount of wires within the cable from 4 in the 2.0 cables to 8 in the 3.0 cables. USB 2.0 cables transfer data at 480 Mbps and provide power up to 500 mA.

    Expect USB 2 rates if you use that cable.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 516
    Windows 10 Professional 64bit
       #3

    The extension cable has to be USB3.0 for the pins to give you that transfer rate.

    https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasic...ex%2Caps%2C160
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    KenY7744 said:
    (Why on Earth don't they put USB3 ports on the front panel?)
    Lots of computers have USB 3 ports on the front panel. As long as your motherboard has an external USB 3.0 port, then it's a matter of the case having front USB 3 ports to connect to the motherboard.

    If you have an empty bay in the case and an external USB 3 connection on the motherboard, you could drop one of these in:
    https://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-E...gateway&sr=8-7
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 73
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks


    Thanks for your suggestion. No empty space on case for this, but USB3 extension will do the trick.

    Ken
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 6,247
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #6

    Have you noticed that USB 3.x cables are short? It's because the high frequency used.
    If you buy a cable that is longer than 2 feet, expect to have lower transfer rates.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    Mm, sounds reasonable... not tried. Easy to find this on Amazon...
    Can I use USB extension cable with USB 3.0 thumb drive-1.jpg
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  8. Posts : 1,020
    Windows 10 Pro 20H2 19042.572
       #8

    Megahertz said:
    Have you noticed that USB 3.x cables are short? It's because the high frequency used.
    If you buy a cable that is longer than 2 feet, expect to have lower transfer rates.
    +1 - However you can run up to 3' without any problems. I benched marked 3' vs 1' getting the same performance. 6' provides USB 2.0 speeds.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #9

    Keyboard and mice do not require a 3.x USB connection, you can get away with the 2.x cord. I get the Amazon Basics cords when I can. Easier to get a powered switching hub that does USB 3.x and also if you can swing it, USB-c. I would use the 6 ft rule of thumb from powered hub and/or computer to device.
    Last edited by bro67; 03 Sep 2019 at 19:19.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,716
    Windows 10
       #10

    Look in the plugs, the USB 3 plugs have 5 extra contacts at the back, 4 at the front.
    USB 2 just 4 at the front.

    USB 2 max length of ~5m
    USB 3 max length of ~3m greater with quality cables.

    USB - Wikipedia
    A Keyboard/mouse USB lead is almost certainly USB 2.

    OK for the cheap slower 'USB 3' thumb drives.
      My Computer


 

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