USB3 ports: I have a Dell X8700 computer and the specs state that there are 4 USB3 ports and 2 USB2 ports on the rear panel of the computer. What is the deference in a USB3 and a USB2...

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

I have a Dell X8700 computer and the specs state that there are 4 USB3 ports and 2 USB2 ports on the rear panel of the computer. What is the deference in a USB3 and a USB2 port. Thanks REJ.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Simply put the Data Transfer rate is faster with the USB3 ports but the interface is exactly the same.

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

DanielB wrote:

Simply put the Data Transfer rate is faster with the USB3 ports but the interface is exactly the same.

I know about the data rate. I have a new external hard drive with a USB3 input and I would like to know what port to use of the 6 ports on the rear panel. REJ

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

To identify your ports visually, the USB3 ports have a blue interior "blade" inside the port structure while USB2 are usually black or white.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

DanielB wrote:

Simply put the Data Transfer rate is faster with the USB3 ports but the interface is exactly the same.

Yes, but keep in mind, the device used in the USB3 port needs to be a USB3 device or it will simply go at the USB2 speeds. So if you have an external drive that is rather old and it is a USB2 compliant hard drive, and you plug it into a USB3 port, it will work but it won't have a faster data transfer rate. Same with using a card reader. It must be USB3 rated or you will not benefit from 10x faster transfer rates.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The ports should be marked, or indicated in the settup documentation, but if not USB 3 ports are generally blue in color if you look inside the port opening.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

TBerwick wrote:

To identify your ports visually, the USB3 ports have a blue interior "blade" inside the port structure while USB2 are usually black or white.

Yes, usually have blue plastic inside the port. Or, you may look closely to see if there are some identifying marks, or you may assume that is there are 4 all in a row, and 2 in another row that the 4 are the USB3 and the other 2 are USB2 ports.

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

TBerwick wrote:

To identify your ports visually, the USB3 ports have a blue interior "blade" inside the port structure while USB2 are usually black or white.

Thank you. That is the info. I was looking for. REJ

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

jeep_daddy wrote:

Yes, but keep in mind, the device used in the USB3 port needs to be a USB3 device or it will simply go at the USB2 speeds. So if you have an external drive that is rather old and it is a USB2 compliant hard drive, and you plug it into a USB3 port, it will work but it won't have a faster data transfer rate. Same with using a card reader. It must be USB3 rated or you will not benefit from 10x faster transfer rates.

In his second post the OP indicated he has a USB 3 external hard drive.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

REJ wrote:

I have a Dell X8700 computer and the specs state that there are 4 USB3 ports and 2 USB2 ports on the rear panel of the computer. What is the deference in a USB3 and a USB2 port. Thanks REJ.

Use USB2 for wired mice and keyboards, or older accessories that use USB 1.1 or USB 2. Always try to use USB 3 compatible drives or card readers on USB 3 ports. USB 3 runs at up to 5 Gbps and USB 2 runs at up to 480 Mbps.

All USB 3 ports are backwards compatible with USB 2 and earlier. But the older ports will LIMIT your speed to their slower transfer rates.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TBerwick wrote:

To identify your ports visually, the USB3 ports have a blue interior "blade" inside the port structure while USB2 are usually black or white.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

REJ wrote:

I have a Dell X8700 computer and the specs state that there are 4 USB3 ports and 2 USB2 ports on the rear panel of the computer. What is the deference in a USB3 and a USB2 port. Thanks REJ.

USB3 ports on a Dell will most likely have this logo next to the port

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

burkphoto wrote:

Use USB2 for wired mice and keyboards, or older accessories that use USB 1.1 or USB 2. Always try to use USB 3 compatible drives or card readers on USB 3 ports. USB 3 runs at up to 5 Gbps and USB 2 runs at up to 480 Mbps.

All USB 3 ports are backwards compatible with USB 2 and earlier. But the older ports will LIMIT your speed to their slower transfer rates.

I use my USB2 ports for the wireless mouse/keyboard reciever and another USB2 port for a ColorMunki calibration tool and another one for my Wacom tablet. But I saved the USB3 ports for compatible external hard drives and card reader.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

MichaelH wrote:

USB3 ports on a Dell will most likely have this logo next to the port

Not just Dell. My HP laptops use the same symbol too.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

DanielB wrote:

Simply put the Data Transfer rate is faster with the USB3 ports but the interface is exactly the same.

...and USB3 ports are downward compatible with USB2 ports.

Dik