USB 3.0 upgrade
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Thread: USB 3.0 upgrade

  1. #1
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    USB 3.0 upgrade

    Win XP PRO and updating to WIN 7.
    my computer has only PCI slots. no PCI-E slots,

    Upgrading to USB 3.0 my only option that I can see is going the PCMCIA PC Card cardbus to PCI Card Adapter route.
    This card allows the use of a PCMPCIA 34mm/54mm express card used in Laptop to accommodate USB3.0
    I will have an external 500 GB(SATA) HD with USB 3.0 output to computer. Allowing for faster (10X) backup.

    I did locate a 2 Port PCI USB 3.0 card Adapter by Startech but the cost is more than double at this time.
    And a PCI to PCI-E converter card is as expensive, and would entail the purchase of a PCI-E USB 3.0 card.

    Opinions, suggestions, appreciated.

  2. #2
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    Have you check out newegg in Canada. Their Prices are not bad.

    Failed to note these are all PCI-E cards.
    http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...i+usb+3.0+card

  3. #3
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    No PCI USB 3.0 cards at the NewEgg link, unfortunately. I guess the manufacturers figure that if you don't have PCI Express, you don't need USB 3.0

  4. #4
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    Ouch, my bad. and looks like jdc2000 is right about them manufacturers.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by jdc2000 View Post
    I guess the manufacturers figure that if you don't have PCI Express, you don't need USB 3.0
    PCI can't handle USB 3.0 - it copes with USB 2, having about twice the required bandwidth, but USB 3.0 is 5 times the bandwidth of the regular PCI slot.
    Pleased to have been a Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2007/8, 2008/9

  6. #6
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    Why did you particularly need USB3, Frank?
    Nick.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Platypus View Post
    PCI can't handle USB 3.0 - it copes with USB 2, having about twice the required bandwidth, but USB 3.0 is 5 times the bandwidth of the regular PCI slot.


    Rats, but thanks for the information.

  8. #8
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    OK here is the jpg for each Item.
    Cost on E-Bay for Both delivered.$27.97

    Enabling me to use USB 3.0 on with desktop / Laptop.
    Going forward with technology.

    Can use with win 7 when upgraded.
    Last edited by frankb; April 22nd, 2012 at 03:31 PM.

  9. #9
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    Unless you already have some USB 3.0 only devices, there is no reason to spend any money to equip your current system with a USB 3.0 interface card. As Platypus mentioned, anything connected to your system through a PCI slot will not be able to use the higher speeds that USB 3.0 provides the capability for.

  10. #10
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    Looking to buy
    Iomega 34988 500GB eGo Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive
    or similar HD external.
    for back up purposes.
    As I want to use data from Desk to Laptop.or vs verso.

    Looking at perhaps going the HDD Docking station with sata drives and USB 3.0 connection to clone and/or back-up.

    My problem is I don't have a PCI e slot only a PCI slot.
    no funds to change motherboard at present.
    Now it takes almost 2 hours to back-up clone HD
    with USB 3.0 it should cut it to half that at least.
    Last edited by frankb; April 5th, 2011 at 02:20 PM.

  11. #11
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    OK, now we have some info on what you are wanting to do to help us.

    To get a USB 3.0 interface on your system, you will be converting tfrom USB 3.0 to a PCMCIA card, and then from the PCMCIA card to the PCI bus. With all of that conversion going on, it is unlikely that you will be able to cut your backup time in half. Also, the drive itself will limit the speed at which the data can be stored. If you were using an SSD drive or other flash memory drive, that would be much faster.


    USB 3.0 speed info:

    http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10t...20-and-30/1265

    http://www.pcworld.com/businesscente...th_usb_30.html

  12. #12
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    If you have a spare SATA port on the motherboard, you would be better off getting an eSATA backplane bracket for the PC, and make sure that the external drive and docking station have eSATA ports on them (many do). eSATA will be just as quick as USB3, since the limiting factor will be the speed of the hard drives in either case.
    Nick.

  13. #13
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    Thank You.
    A lot to Read. Study.
    Will re-assess and see if I can go the eSATA route.
    I do have SATA spare on motherboard.
    Will come back.

  14. #14
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    If you have an unused SATA connection available on your mobo,
    Following may be of interest,


    Product listed as including:
    3.5" NexStar CX Enclosure, USB Cable, eSATA Cable, SATA to eSATA Bracket, Power Adapter, User Manual, Vertical Stand.
    Cheers.

  15. #15
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    Caution:
    End user feedbacks of "Hotplug" support with eSATA is inconsistent.
    Results same in WinXP and Win7.

    Be prepared to connect eSATA enclosure to system and power on prior to system boot up, every time before use.
    Cheers.

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