SATA to USB 2.0/3.0 the same?

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helpful55

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Dec 27, 2012
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I have an “older” multi piece IDE/SATA to USB 2.0 adapter kit that has a molex connector so it works universally for 2.5 and 3.5 HD’s. My main needs are for the 3.5 HD’s. I see the simple adapters for 2.5 HD’s that use the USB for the 5v power. Now there are 3.0 USB versions of all of these. My adapter and most others I see look like there is probably nothing but connections inside, no electronic components, with the 3.0 adapters looking the same other than a blue USB connector. Other than that, I don’t think there are any special USB 3.0 cables and all SATA cables are SATA, so the only possible difference is inside the mystery box. Is there really something different about a 3.0 specific adapter or am I wasting money in an attempt at an upgrade?
 
Solution
photonboy
USB2 adapters are usually limited to a max throughput of 32MB/second.

USB3 adapters are much higher, so if the hard drive peaked at 140MB/second it should handle that just fine.

POWER via USB2:
You generally require a powered adapter if the drive is 3.5" since the USB2 connection alone won't handle it.

POWER via USB3:
The USB3 connector has been designed to supply more power so in theory can support 3.5" drives, the problem is that 3.5" USB drives can also be plugged into USB2 computer connections which is why they still come with adapters.

Special cables?
USB3 drives come with USB3 cables that have a proprietary connector on the drive unit side. This is to prevent USB2 cables being used as they may not be manufactured to a high...
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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USB2 adapters are usually limited to a max throughput of 32MB/second.

USB3 adapters are much higher, so if the hard drive peaked at 140MB/second it should handle that just fine.

POWER via USB2:
You generally require a powered adapter if the drive is 3.5" since the USB2 connection alone won't handle it.

POWER via USB3:
The USB3 connector has been designed to supply more power so in theory can support 3.5" drives, the problem is that 3.5" USB drives can also be plugged into USB2 computer connections which is why they still come with adapters.

Special cables?
USB3 drives come with USB3 cables that have a proprietary connector on the drive unit side. This is to prevent USB2 cables being used as they may not be manufactured to a high enough quality to handle the higher transfer speeds.

So...
From what you've said which is a bit confusing I see two points:
1) data - you're likely limited to about 32MB/second but otherwise fine
2) power - do NOT use only the USB connection to supply power for 3.5" drives. You must add a SATA power path direct to the drive

Summary:
I hope this helps. I had a very difficult time reading your post as to me it's a bit like a run-on sentence. Please simplify a bit next time.
 
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Solution
Solandri

Solandri

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Jan 4, 2012
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USB 2.0 has 4 pins. USB 3.0 has 9 pins. The extra pins are just positioned so you can still use it with a USB 2.0 port in USB 2.0 mode. So if you have a SATA to USB 2.0 adapter, no you will not get USB 3.0 speeds by plugging it into a blue USB 3.0 port. You will need to buy a new SATA to USB 3.0 adapter. (If you plan to use this with SSDs, make sure the adapter is UASP capable, as that works around one of the bottlenecks in the SATA to USB translation layer that otherwise limits speeds to about 200-250 MB/s.)
 
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