are all USB3 external HDD backwards compatable w/ USB2?

[stevethebrain]

are all USB3 external HDD backwards compatable w/ USB2?

here's the HDD I'm concidering
SAMSUNG D3 Station 4TB USB 3.0 3.5" Desktop External Hard Drive STSHX-D401TDB Black - Newegg.com

I've read the discription and USB2 was'nt mentioned
or will this drive require a USB3 controller card?
Thanks STB

 

[rowcon123]

Yes they are all backwards compatible

 

[BK_123]

Yes they are but if it is plugged into a USB 2 it won't make use of USB 3 speeds.

 

[strollin]

USB3 is backwards compatible with both USB2 and USB1. As BK_123 pointed out, you need a USB3 device plugged into a USB3 port to achieve USB3 speeds.

 

[dev893]

From what i can tell a USB3 external HDD basically just has two micro usb plugs that transfer into one fullsize USB so i would guess yes

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[BK_123]

From what i can tell a USB3 external HDD basically just has two micro usb plugs that transfer into one fullsize USB so i would guess yes

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Quite right my friend, Infact its a Type A & B connector. Toms Hardware has some good useful info on it here USB 3.0 Basics And Connectors - Three External (And Fast) USB 3.0 Drives Compared

 

[Randy11]

Newegg has many different USB 3 cards for various prices. All of the brands are excellent however I have heard that Star Tech and Rosewill are among the better brands. Here is a link to their results page Newegg.com - usb 3 card . I would buy one of those for optimum performance.