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Cheapest way to get USB 3 on 2007 MBP?
- Thread starter techmonkey
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thejadedmonkey
macrumors G3
Probably an OS X compatable express card, or a used 2012 macbook air connected via Firewire. You didn't say it needed to be practical 😛
azentropy
macrumors 601
If you really HAVE to and your MBP has an ExpressCard slot...
http://www.amazon.com/ExpressCard-34mm-Adapter-Dual-Port/dp/B0045BLP1S
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Nice. Its cheap, reviews are mixed, might be worth giving it a try.
When you say "HAVE", do you think USB 3 isn't worth getting?
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azentropy
macrumors 601
Unless you have a specific need to use USB 3, I'd pass right now. Yes you can get some performance boost for external hd/flash drives, but probably not worth the hassle of using some third party cards/drivers to get it working on a 5 year old machine. If you have a specific need that would really benefit from it - like if you do large and frequent transfers for backup etc. then it might be worth a try.
Dark Void
macrumors 68030
If you have to ask that question then I would argue that you personally don't "need" it and therefore may not want to go ripping into your MBP to replace the ExpressCard.
Obviously do as you will with your own computer though.
Yea, I have a express slot so nothing to disassemble. That said, ive "ripped" open my MBP before, replacing HDDS/SSDs, etc. The reason I ask, is the what azentropy mentioned. 3rd party drivers, if they work well, is it really a big performance increase.
Dark Void
macrumors 68030
I misinterpreted, just disregard it. I thought we were talking about slots.
In the case where you have an ExpressCard slot, give the card a try if the speed/transfer rates of USB 3.0 are worth it to you.
I dunno if the 3rd party expresscard USB 3.0 cards are just as fast as the native ports on my rMBP, but the USB 3.0 cuts the transfer time in 1/3 of USB 2.0 when I'm backing up my lightroom libraries on an external HD.