Upgrading Dell Dimension 4400 to USB 2.0

[Juano2009]

I have a Dell Dimension 4400. Can I upgrade it to USB 2.0 or do I need to install something first? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[WR2]

Do you really need USB 2.0? Most 2.0 externals will run in USB 1.1 slots you already have.
The only upgrade path toward USB 2 is adding a PCI card.
Something like: Rosewill NEC 4+1 Port USB2.0 PCI CARD

 

[rockyjohn]

Note that USB 3.0 may be out soon - here is a statement about it:

The USB 3.0 specification guarantees an increased performance of 10 times compared to the capabilities of the current USB 2.0, providing a bandwidth of 600 MB/s second. Devices employing USB 3.0 specifications are planned to be available to consumers in 2009 or 2010 and would be backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.

And a later update:

Yes you are right, no fixed release date for USB 3.0 . According to wikipedia The USB 3.0 specification was released on November 12, 2008 by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group. On September 18, 2007, Pat Gelsinger demonstrated USB 3.0 at the Intel Developer Forum. This move effectively opened the spec to hardware developers for implementation in future products. The first USB 3.0 ports were featured on the Asus P6X58 motherboard; however this board was canceled before production for unspecified reasons. USB-IF has scheduled a "Superspeed" conference for mid-November, which suggests optimism that the spec will be final by then. But You can now buy the USB 3.0 cable from Buffalo. It is 10-times faster than the conventional USB2.0 transfer speed. The cable is available in three models according to its length.

 

[Fascist Nation]

Heck yes add an expansion card. USB 1.1...I can't believe anyone is tolerating using that slow pokey speed. Perfect for keyboards and mice but little else.

You will love USB2. That Rosewill card looks like a real winner, but you may find having to plug in the back becomes a pain. You can add a 2 port drive bay front panel or external multiport hub.

 

[polocanada]

Purchase USB 2.0 card from ebay. Costs about 3 dollars or less. Installation is easy, even a kid can do it.