USB 3.0 :S

seekdestroy · 12 May 2011 at 16:15

Just bought this 16GB usb3.0 stick (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FL-076-KS&groupid=1657&catid=1908&subcat=1763)

But abit confused, it is supplied with a usb lead with 2 usb 2.0 plugs which link 1 one socket. The diagram on the package says if the port is USB 2.0 I can't plug the stick directly in, but it requires the lead to be used.

I've tried it with and without the lead and it works exactly the same :S I thought usb 3.0 was backward compatible so why does is need the lead?

Is it safe to use it without the lead? It's abit of a joke if they expect you to carry the lead around with you....

*EDIT*
Just found this on Kingston's FAQ:

Issue:
KDU-009001-0 What is the Y cable for?

Resolution: The DTu30 is a USB 3.0 drive, requiring more power than that which is provided by USB 2.0 and/or USB 1.1 ports. Although it is compatible with non USB 3.0 ports, you must use the Y cable when inserting the DTu30 into USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports in order to protect the drive from overheating.

Very strange, as I found it ran hotter when using the Y cable. I guess it should be fine using in USB 2.0 without the Y cable, but not for prolonged periods.

SeeKified · 12 May 2011 at 16:20

seekdestroy said:
Just bought this 16GB usb3.0 stick (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FL-076-KS&groupid=1657&catid=1908&subcat=1763)

But abit confused, it is supplied with a usb lead with 2 usb 2.0 plugs which link 1 one socket. The diagram on the package says if the port is USB 2.0 I can't plug the stick directly in, but it requires the lead to be used.

I've tried it with and without the lead and it works exactly the same :S I thought usb 3.0 was backward compatible so why does is need the lead?

Is it safe to use it without the lead? It's abit of a joke if they expect you to carry the lead around with you....

Unless the product is very oddly designed and also not following the standard, it should be fine without the lead. All USB 3.0 products should work fine in a 2.0 port at 2.0 speeds.

EDIT: Just saw your edit. So it's one of those. We used to get that a lot with 3G dongles in Sweden. In that case, yeah, you may want to use the dongle if you're going to make large sequential transfers or something like that. I wouldn't bother for normal usage though.

seekdestroy · 12 May 2011 at 16:24

SeeKified said:
Unless the product is very oddly designed and also not following the standard, it should be fine without the lead. All USB 3.0 products should work fine in a 2.0 port at 2.0 speeds.

EDIT: Just saw your edit. So it's one of those. We used to get that a lot with 3G dongles in Sweden. In that case, yeah, you may want to use the dongle if you're going to make large sequential transfers or something like that. I wouldn't bother for normal usage though.

Yeah guess I shoulda read up about this type of usb 3.0 before buying, but was in abit of rush as my current memory stick buggered up.

SeeKified · 12 May 2011 at 16:26

seekdestroy said:
Yeah guess I shoulda read up about this type of usb 3.0 before buying, but was in abit of rush as my current memory stick buggered up.

Don't worry too much, it's nice that you've got a modern stick that'll last you and provide excellent speeds when you do get around to getting 3.0 support on your machine.

seekdestroy · 12 May 2011 at 16:41

SeeKified said:
Don't worry too much, it's nice that you've got a modern stick that'll last you and provide excellent speeds when you do get around to getting 3.0 support on your machine.

Hehehe yeah, well my laptop don't support usb 3, but got some sockets in my PC at home

Was sick of my old stick locking up when writing too it. Think it's rated speed was like 5mb/s write, which was dire when running or saving things onto it.