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any way to use USB 3 external HDD on the new imac ?
- Thread starter bo-waleed
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USB 3.0 is backwards compatible so you can use it in one of the USB 2.0 ports. However, you will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
Currently there are no Thunderbolt to USB 3.0 adapters.
Currently there are no Thunderbolt to USB 3.0 adapters.
really ? i didn't know about this.
so no worry if i buy usb 3.0 external HDD now ?
is it possible ? and will it be in usb 3.0 speed ?
Not at all, it will work fine.
Considering that Thunderbolt is basically just external PCIe and DisplayPort, it is. TB provides up to 10Gb/s which should be more than fine for USB 3.0 but the actual speed will most likely depend on the USB 3.0 controller.
2.5" HDs usually get their power from USB (even USB 2.0).
It would be backwards compatible at 2.0 speeds like HellHammer said, however I don't think you need a 3.0 drive unless you are planning on using the drive with 3.0 equipped machines.
As of now, it looks as if Apple is backing Thunderbolt exclusively, so it doesn't look like a USB 3.0 drive will be too useful in the future for mac users.
As of now, it looks as if Apple is backing Thunderbolt exclusively, so it doesn't look like a USB 3.0 drive will be too useful in the future for mac users.
Last time I checked, USB 3.0 external cost like $10 more than USB 2.0 one so it's not a big extra. TB to USB 3.0 adapter will sooner than later come out and it would allow OP to run it at USB 3.0 speeds. Intel will integrate USB 3.0 into their 7-series chipsets which are due next year and it's likely that Macs will get USB 3.0 then.