What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

[jusacruiser]

What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0?

I was shopping for a Western Digital backup drive and then after purchase, noticed that it just said "USB 2.0".

Then online I noticed that there is a USB 2.0/3.0 version.

Should I return my purchase of the USB 2.0 version......and get a USB 2.0/3.0 version instead? Does it matter?

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

USB 3.0 is roughly 10 times faster but Macs only support USB 2.0. If the price is the same, then I would buy exchange it for USB 3.0 version.

 

[jusacruiser]

USB 3.0 is roughly 10 times faster but Macs only support USB 2.0. If the price is the same, then I would buy exchange it for USB 3.0 version.

Ok, I will go back to the store and do some comparing. Thanks.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Ok, I will go back to the store and do some comparing. Thanks.

But know, that current Macs don't support USB 3.0. But Macs with a Thunderbolt port will eventually, when the correct adapters and drivers will be released. IF you have a Mac with Firewire 800, look into those HDDs with a FW800 port, as FW800 provides at least twice the speed of USB 2.0 and uses no CPU, as FW has its own chip on the logic board and USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 signals go through the CPU.