|
Home »
Hardware
»
USB and 1394 Interfaces
Summary: USB 1.1 and 2.0 cables aren't all that different, and can often be interchangeable. Here's what to look for.
The cables will most definitely look the same. That's because the connectors didn't change between USB 1.1 and 2.0. But not all cables that look the same are the same. • I'll cut to the chase and say that most USB 1.1 cables will work just fine with USB 2.0 devices in typical usage, and yes, they'll work at USB 2.0 speeds. I say "most" cables because it boils down to a quality issue. A higher quality 1.1 cable stands a better chance of working at 2.0 speeds. What do I mean by quality? Well, it's nothing that's visible, I'm afraid. It has to do with the quality of the wires used and especially the shielding against electrical interference. Higher speeds are more susceptible to interference and noise - either from the outside, or from the USB signals themselves. I also say in "typical" usage, because not all scenarios are the same either. For example a short cable is more likely to work than a long one. If you have an electrically noisy environment that might cause problems. And of course the devices themselves play a big role. Some devices are more tolerant of weak or noisy signals than others. So there are two ways you can go:
Related:
Article 12150 | Posted January 8, 2008 |
Popular & Hot How do I make a new MSN Hotmail account? How do I delete history items from my Google tool bar? My desktop Recycle Bin has disappeared - why, and how do I get it back? How do I delete my Hotmail account? I accidentally deleted my Recycle Bin in Vista - how do I get it back? New & Important How can I get the old Windows Live Hotmail back? Internet Safety: How do I keep my computer safe on the internet? Are free email services worth it? Would you please recover my password? My account has been hacked or I've forgotten it.
Stay Informed Archives Advertisers |
|
•
You can depending on what is being connected. But keep in mind this is not for all items. You might want to upgrade
Posted by: George Arauz at January 10, 2008 5:33 AMYou can usually use USB 1.1 cables, but longer than 5m cables will probably cause problems especially if your data rates are high.
Posted by: A. Orcan at January 13, 2008 11:40 PMKeep in mind that a USB controller is limited to USB 1.1 speeds even if a single USB 1.1 device is on the same hub. Another reason to invest in better (and more expensive) Motherboards with multiple independent USB controllers !
I've got all sorts of USB cables lying around, new and old. Is there a way to differentiate between USB 1.1 and 2.0 cables?
25-Sep-2008
Posted by: Clint Johnson at September 24, 2008 8:13 AM