USB3 harddrive on USB2 port vs USB2 harddrive on USB2 port

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m1xed0s

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Nov 1, 2013
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Hi,

I was searching web but did not find anything matching what I look for.

I know USB3 harddrive runs faster (read/write) when plugged into USB3 port than into USB2 port generally speaking. But what if comparing with a USB2 harddrive plugged into USB2 port?

I have one USB2 harddrive and one USB3 harddrive. Both are portable, non-SSD ones. I am trying to figure out which one to plug in to my wireless router usb port (USB2 only) for fileshare...

So which one performs better? USB3 on USB2 Port OR USB2 on USB2 port?
 
Solution
Murissokah
USB is just the interface, so it will only cap your performance if the HDD actually pushes that much data. An USB2 interface is good for up to 35-40 mb/s, which will probably hinder sequential HDD read/writes (so transferring large files, reading movies and such will be slower than it could be).

USB is backwards compatible, meaning a higher USB revision will work with a lower revision, but always at the lower transfer rate. That means that, since your router only has an USB 2.0 port, it doesn't matter whether or not the HDD has an USB 3.0 interface, both will work at 2.0. There is no overhead for "converting" 3.0 into 2.0, it just sets to 2.0 transfer rates and works the same.

In all, the interface should be disregarded in your case...
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Murissokah

Murissokah

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Aug 12, 2007
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USB is just the interface, so it will only cap your performance if the HDD actually pushes that much data. An USB2 interface is good for up to 35-40 mb/s, which will probably hinder sequential HDD read/writes (so transferring large files, reading movies and such will be slower than it could be).

USB is backwards compatible, meaning a higher USB revision will work with a lower revision, but always at the lower transfer rate. That means that, since your router only has an USB 2.0 port, it doesn't matter whether or not the HDD has an USB 3.0 interface, both will work at 2.0. There is no overhead for "converting" 3.0 into 2.0, it just sets to 2.0 transfer rates and works the same.

In all, the interface should be disregarded in your case, and the best drive will be the one with better random R/Ws.

Also consider that, by using your USB 2.0 HDD with the router, you will leave the USB 3.0 HDD free for other uses.
 
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