Connect USB 3.0 Hub into a USB 2.0 Port? 3.0 Speed?

jimbo45 said:

Hi there

Actually it's a bit more complex than that.

There's NOTHING WRONG in using a USB3 hub -- provided it has enough power to drive the devices connected to it.

Most USB3 HDD's (that's what most people use a USB 3 Hub for anyway) don't have anything like enough speed to limit the USB 3 hub speed -- as well as most I/O will be done reasonably well by Windows anyway. So even 2 or 3 devices will work just fine on a USB 3 Hub provided there is enough power supplied to the devices.

You can probably connect 2 or even 3 USB 3 HDD's to a POWERED USB3 hub without too much reduction of speed or I/O transfer.

Baring in mind that a typical USB 3 external drive (passport type of self powered variety) probably will only give up to 110 - 200- Mib/s on USB 3 port (Mib/s -- not MB/s) anyway you won't have any problem connecting another 2 or even 3 USB 3 devices to a decent USB 3 hub, It needs to be powered of course for maximum performance.

As for USB 3 expansion port cards on older MOBOS that never had native USB 3 ports -- IMO they are usually a waste of time since they connect to the BUS which doesn't have USB 3 speed in the first place.

If you need proper USB 3 speed then simply resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to upgrade your Mobo - moden laptops though have decent USB 3 ports.

Cheers
jimbo

Thank you very much jimbo45. I appreciate your response, time and assistance. Helpful!

So, one important thing you have shared is the USB 3.0 Hub needs to be powered. Now to be powered would mean via the USB PCI-E powered card or powered through the hub a/c adapter, if it has one? How is my understanding?

The next important thing I see you mentioned is the motherboard native ports. My mother board I bought back in 10-2009 the ASUS: P7P55D EVO has only native USB 2.0 Ports, but from what I learned you can still use USB 3.0 PCI-E cards, How is my understanding?

You mentioned proper speed, what would be the estimated speed you think I would get out of my current motherboard if I did go with a USB 3.0 PCI-E Card?

Thank you again!

Thank you NavyLCDR and Jimbo45,

I do appreciate your responses, time and assistance. I am not getting anymore responses or answers, but it looks like I am good to go. If there is anything by you guys or anyone else that I might be missing in answers etc. please still don't hesitate to share here. So, thank you again.