How to tell if I've got USB ports 2.0 or 3.0

Annie1960

I have an HP tower PC which I bought Christmas 2011.

I can't recall whether the USB ports are 2.0 or 3.0. How can I check?

I have just bought a new memory stick which says it's 3.0 compatible, and I don't want to open the packet unless I'm sure I can use it.

Thanks.

20aday

Hello Annie,

I found this link (via Google): http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_165209_3.jpg

Don't know if that's helpful or not? Whilst transfer speeds would be faster over 3.0 it's backwards compatible with 2.0.

Annie1960

Thanks.

The back of the packet small print says 'USB port 3.0 required'. This suggests it may not be backwards compatible.

Looks like the 3.0 are blue, so I'll see if I can check the colour.

John_Gray

http://helpdesk.nationalpaincare.com/hc/en-us/articles/201077214-How-To-Identify-USB-Ports-USB-3-0-and-High-power-

> The back of the packet small print says 'USB port 3.0 required'

They left out "for maximum speed operation."

unforeseen

Even if you identify that you have USB3 ports you still need to make sure you have the drivers loaded for them otherwise, in general, they will only work at USB speeds.

In some cases there are some machines where they USB3 ports don't work at all without the drivers

Neil_Jones

Annie1960 wrote: »

I have an HP tower PC which I bought Christmas 2011.

I can't recall whether the USB ports are 2.0 or 3.0. How can I check?

I have just bought a new memory stick which says it's 3.0 compatible, and I don't want to open the packet unless I'm sure I can use it.

Thanks.

USB 2 ports are black and USB 3 ports are blue.
Memory sticks that are USB 3 capable will work in USB 2 ports, just not as fast as they would do in USB 3 ports.

jshm2

Look for "blue bars" in the USB port. These are USB 3.0/3.1 ports

GabbaGabbaHey

While many USB 3 ports are indeed blue, not all are. It is not a requirement of the USB 3 standard (merely a recommendation).

wongataa

Annie1960 wrote: »

I have an HP tower PC which I bought Christmas 2011.

I can't recall whether the USB ports are 2.0 or 3.0. How can I check?

I have just bought a new memory stick which says it's 3.0 compatible, and I don't want to open the packet unless I'm sure I can use it.

Thanks.

A computer that old will have USB 2 ports. USB 3 capable devices work in USB 2 ports. They are just limited to the USB 2 speeds.

searchlight123

i have a HP Envy 15-ah 150na laptop bought recently. it has 4 USB ports. all are black inside. i have noticed one of them (on the left nearest the user) has a tiny 'lightning bolt' symbol next to the USB symbol. i'm assuming that one port is a USB 3 but i'm not sure??

AndyPix

tonygold wrote: »

i have a HP Envy 15-ah 150na laptop bought recently. it has 4 USB ports. all are black inside. i have noticed one of them (on the left nearest the user) has a tiny 'lightning bolt' symbol next to the USB symbol. i'm assuming that one port is a USB 3 but i'm not sure??

The little lightning bolt indicates it is a high power port and can power double the current to devices and is likely to provide power even with the pc switched off
(To charge your phone etc)


USB 3.0 ports are usually blue inside, or have a little "ss" symbol next to them (super speed)