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Resolved How do I tell what USB version I have

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by Bulldogs Sweety, 2014/03/11.

  1. 2014/03/11
    Bulldogs Sweety

    Bulldogs Sweety Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi. It's been awhile since I've posted so hope you will understand me.

    My computer was built for me in November, 2012. I checked my paperwork for information regarding the USB port and I can't find anything. A lot of technical jargon so maybe I am just missing something.

    Then I went into Device Manager/Universal Serial Bus Controllers and there are several "Generic USB Hub" mentioned there. Not sure if that means the ones plugged into computer. Then there is one "Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller" and one "Intel(R) USB 3.0 Root Hub." I have Three (3) ports in the front of the computer and a few on the back. Does this mean that only two are USB version 3.0? This is very confusing to me.

    The reason I want to know is that my computers, up to now, have all be version 2.0. I want to purchase another external hard drive with more hard drive space and when looking at the products on the internet, they are saying the USB version is 3.0.

    I hope you can help me understand this. Thank you for your time.
     
  2. 2014/03/11
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Bulldogs Sweety. Do you know what motherboard your computer has?

    Is this an OEM system with a model number that you bought?
     

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  4. 2014/03/11
    Bulldogs Sweety

    Bulldogs Sweety Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Well, Terminator, I have my computers built for me. Here is the info on my receipt for the first 3 items:

    1st. CORE 15/3470 System per attached.
    2nd. Intel CPU Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz 6MB LGA1155 4Core/4Threads 36.10.17.12
    3rd. Intel Motherboard BOXDH77EB microATX LGA1155 1600PLUS Media Series 36.10.17.12

    Is that enough information? Nothing says model number.

    Thanks.
     
  5. 2014/03/11
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    Ten USB 2.0 Ports , four back panel ports and six additional ports via internal headers
    Four USB 3.0 Ports , two back panel ports and two additional ports via internal headers

    The Intel® Desktop Board DH77EB
     
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  6. 2014/03/11
    Bulldogs Sweety

    Bulldogs Sweety Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Okay. Will check out that information on that website. Checked out some of the specs on the website and it shows which ones are 2.0 and 3.0. I'll compare that with my computer.
    I do not know what Internal Headers means. I have a computer because I teach home sewers how to use their software and machines. Thought this might let you know why I am not too savvy with this part of computers.

    Thank you very much. I really appreciate you going to the trouble to help. Now to figure out how to say that this is "resolved. "
     
  7. 2014/03/11
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    3.0 will work on a 2.0 port. Just a little slower. It is backwards compatible.
     
  8. 2014/03/11
    Bulldogs Sweety

    Bulldogs Sweety Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Oh, that's great. Now that I think about it, when I had a computer with USB 1.0, 2.0 did work, but slower.

    Turned the computer around and found the blue (that's the 3.0) USB ports so I should be good to go.

    Thank you. Appreciate the help (fast help in fact) on this forum.
     
  9. 2014/03/11
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Good to hear. Please go to Thread Tools near the top right of this page and mark your thread as resolved.
     
  10. 2014/03/11
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Thanks for letting us know that you were able to get your issue resolved. :)
     
  11. 2014/03/12
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    As a bit of a side thought, do note there is no color coding "standard" for USB ports that manufacturers must follow. But there is a "recommended" standard that most motherboard, case makers, and USB device makers voluntarily use.

    Black - USB 1.x
    White - USB 2.0
    Blue - USB 3.0​

    Again, this color coding is not a mandatory industry standard, but there is a pretty good chance if you see a blue (or "sky blue ") USB port on your motherboard or case, it is 3.0.
     
  12. 2014/03/12
    Bulldogs Sweety

    Bulldogs Sweety Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Ok. First, I did figure out how to mark the thread "resolved." I was looking for a link in the area of where I was replying. Made sense to me!

    Thank you for the color coding information. I looked on the back of my computer and I have two blue ports, but no white. My other ports are 2.0 but show black.

    I want to thank everyone that has been so helpful. It's people like you that get people like me through a problem with as little frustration as possible. I have a couple of issues with Windows 7 so I will pop on over to that category when I get the nerve to physically make changes, if needed.

    Again, thanks.
     

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