USB Version?

[danp123]

How do i know which version USB i have got, as far as i know my computer is about 5 yrs old (it was an old works model compaq) i am running win 98se but i cant tell you what the mobo is because it is some sort of custom made compaq 1!
I wanted to buy a port expander ir plug it into 1 of them and it makes 4 more, so i would like to check what version usb i have before i go and buy an expander

 

[gmc74]

You definately have USB 1.1 and not 2.0, 2.0 wasn't available back then.

Are you looking for aditional USB ports? If that is the case, you have a couple of options.

1) A USB PCI card that will go in one of the open slots in your machine. These usually provide between 2 and 4 additional ports. The benefit to this is that you can buy a USB 2.0 card and get all of the benefits of USB 2.0 (speed, throughput). The downside is that you have to have an open slot, and you have to open the machine to do it.

2) USB Hub - You can get a USB hub (which is what it sounds like you are looking at) which will allow you to plug in (usually 4) additional USB peripherals into 1 port. There are two types of hubs, powered and unpowered. Some peripherals (like a cradle for a PDA) are going to need a powered hub (i.e. one that plugs into the wall too), other peripherals (mouse, keyboard, etc) won't need the powered hub.

I hope that helps. If the peripheral that you want requires USB 2.0, get the expansion card. USB 2.0 is backwards compatible so all of your current USB peripherals will work fine.

 

[cdogg]

Just to add to gmc74's comments...

If you go with option 2 and get a USB hub, it will only run at USB 1.1 speeds. The only way to upgrade to USB 2.0 is to go with a PCI card (option 1) or upgrade your motherboard (which is not necessary).

Just wanted to be sure that was clear. Perhaps if you described exactly what you were trying to accomplish, we could help you reach the best decision.


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein

 

[paparazi]

Just be warned, Many USB2 cards don't work on older motherboards and there is no way to tell only that they don't work.
We have lots of customers bringing back USB2 cards because of this incompatibility.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[danp123]

thanks for all the help guys i have brought a unpowerd hub and it works like a dream

 

[cdogg]

Sorry to be technical, but actually USB 2.0 can be up to 40 times the speed of USB 1.1 depending on the device being used.

USB 1.1 - 12 mbps max
USB 2.0 - 480 mbps max


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein