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I have a iMac with 2.0 USB ports. I want to add a 3.0 hub. Will it pass through 3.0 even though the computer is 2.0?
USB 3.0
- Thread starter Omeletpants
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The CPU IRQ needs to register the device. The maximum transfer speed and electricity usage of the parent, will be your limitations, because that is what interrupts the CPU.
English version: You can use a USB 3 hub on USB 2, but you'll only get the max speed of your USB 2.0 controller. USB 3.0 devices used, will have to be USB 2.0 compliant.
If it's a powered hub, then you might be able to draw more power from the 3.0 hub for 3.0 devices. But transfer speed is still USB 2.0.
English version: You can use a USB 3 hub on USB 2, but you'll only get the max speed of your USB 2.0 controller. USB 3.0 devices used, will have to be USB 2.0 compliant.
If it's a powered hub, then you might be able to draw more power from the 3.0 hub for 3.0 devices. But transfer speed is still USB 2.0.
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Thanks. So I will get a 2.0 usb hub. I think it needs to have it's own power supply so I can sync and charge my iPhone to iTunes
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np
The price is pretty much the same, If it's not much more, I would buy the powered 3.0 hub with 2.0 compatibility(most 3.0 hubs). Then if/when you upgrade that computer, you'll have it.
I'm not sure when USB 2.0 hubs are going to see liquidation pricing. $20 will pretty much buy you any type of non-powered USB hub. $25 will buy you a powered one, and $40 will buy you a "cascading" powered hub(essentially a hub capable of connecting more hubs).
The price is pretty much the same, If it's not much more, I would buy the powered 3.0 hub with 2.0 compatibility(most 3.0 hubs). Then if/when you upgrade that computer, you'll have it.
I'm not sure when USB 2.0 hubs are going to see liquidation pricing. $20 will pretty much buy you any type of non-powered USB hub. $25 will buy you a powered one, and $40 will buy you a "cascading" powered hub(essentially a hub capable of connecting more hubs).
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I saw a $49 Belkin and a Satachi that look pretty good
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Your guess is as good as mine. Both make good hubs, both have had good standing for OSX support. Tripp Lite also is one of those safe brands that seem to only release a product that is more polished. None are really fancy, just stuff that works when you need it and will last you a few years before it starts to crap out.