USB 3.0 on a usb 2.0 rig

[TigerUK]

I want to upgrade to USB 3 just for the hell of it. I want to also hook up my USB2.0 antec300 front panel connectors onto USB 3.0 as well, so I can use USB 3 flash drives.

I'm thinking of buying a USB 3 PCI card, will it work as effectively as a native USb 3.0 motherboard, or will the performance be limited?

I'm planning on doing an editorial piece on it, and comparing the performance between a USB 3 vs USB 2 rig. So info will be helpful.

 

[MouthBoy]

As far as I am aware, if you hook up a 2.0 front panel to a 3.0 (be it on the motherboard or a PCI card) you will still only get 2.0 speeds. I cant remember which mag it was, but they did a piece on how 3.0 and 2.0 differ and although you can use 2.0 in 3.0, the physical socket connection is slightly different. Does that make sense?

 

[Ryan-3]

I'd guess performance would be the same for USB3.0 from a PCI card & what it would be from a USB3.0 header on the motherboard. But the front panel 2.0 won't work at 3.0 speeds, unless you could in some way upgrade them, if any of that is understandable

 

[David_VI]

I do find this confusing, the actual socket is different? Its interesting.

I don't have any stuff that uses 3.0 speeds so the fact my new case has 2.0 on the front shouldn't be an issue.. Only use them for usb sticks and 2 xbox pads.

Suppose its time to google usb 3.0.

 

[MouthBoy]

I do find this confusing, the actual socket is different? Its interesting.

I don't have any stuff that uses 3.0 speeds so the fact my new case has 2.0 on the front shouldn't be an issue.. Only use them for usb sticks and 2 xbox pads.

Suppose its time to google usb 3.0.

Yea, as far as I believe the 3.0 connection is further into the socket, and the 2.0 is nearer the front. Cant find the mag I saw it in but was an interesting read.

 

[PhillyDee]

They are backward compatible but thats all. You would need a new panel, some of the manufacturers have started doing upgrade kits, doubt an Antec 300 would though!