Using USB 2 Device With USB 1 Cable


  1. Posts : 400
    Windows 7 Home Premium (Retail) Full version - With SP1
       #1

    Using USB 2 Device With USB 1 Cable


    I plan to replace my MB soon and the new MB will have at least USB 2 native capability. The front panel USB ports on my case are now, of course, USB 1. If I connect them to the new MB's USB headers will that offer any problems to USB 2 devices?

    Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 774
    Vista Ultimate X64/ Windows 7 Dual-boot
       #2

    No...USB2 is backwards compatible so you should have no issues...
    However USB2 devices will run at the lower speeds when connected to your front USB1 ports.
    2 things to look into is see if any newer USB front headers will fit your case...that or add a PCI USB3 expansion card for more ports.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 400
    Windows 7 Home Premium (Retail) Full version - With SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    patio said:
    No...USB2 is backwards compatible so you should have no issues...
    However USB2 devices will run at the lower speeds when connected to your front USB1 ports.
    2 things to look into is see if any newer USB front headers will fit your case...that or add a PCI USB3 expansion card for more ports.
    Thank you very much.

    That is exactly what I wanted to know. I was afraid your second comment, the one about speed, would be the case so I guess I will find a new USB front header.

    Thanks again.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #4

    patio said:
    No...USB2 is backwards compatible so you should have no issues...
    However USB2 devices will run at the lower speeds when connected to your front USB1 ports.
    2 things to look into is see if any newer USB front headers will fit your case...that or add a PCI USB3 expansion card for more ports.
    I don't wish to be insulting, but I don't believe this.

    As far as I know, motherboard headers are the same for USB1 and USB2, and so are the cables. Same number of conductors, in the same physical configuration. No additional keys or slots.

    I believe that you'll get USB2 data rates from your front panel. This assumes that your front panel connection isn't discrete wires like I've seen in old PC cases.

    USB3 is another story. The older USB connector isn't compatible with it. Some motherboard makers supply an adapter to allow older USB front panel connectors to use the USB3 header on the motherboard. (At USB2 data rates. Apparently the board detects the missing wires.)

    Corrections will be cheerfully accepted.
      My Computer


 

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