USB Cables 1.1-2.0

[jaycook]

Is there a way, just by looking at a USB Cable, if you can tell if it is 1.1 or 2.0? If it's written on the side of the cable, yes, but any other way???

And 1.1 is 11 MB/s and 2 is 400 MB/s correct?

Thanks

[yoda313]

Hi,

I don't think there are any indicators. Though some of the newest cables may say "high speed Usb2" on the side of it.

1.1 is 10 or 11mb/s and 2 is 480 mb/s I believe.

Kevin

[waheed]

Noty reallty, both cables look identical.

USB 1.1 is 11Mbps (not MBps) and USB 2.0 is 480Mbps.

There is a difference between MB (megabyte) and Mb (megabit)

Dont forget, these are burst speeds (max theretical), not actual operational speeds.

EDIT: Yoda313 beat me to it

[yoda313]

Hi,

EDIT: Yoda313 beat me to it

HAHA!! I strike again

Kevin

[redwudz]

USB 2.0 VS USB 1.1 cable specifications seem pretty murky. The only thing I have found is that the better cables have foil, and braided shielding. I'm beginning to wonder if the difference is mostly in the manufacturer's hype.

The most common statement is that it's not a real USB 2.0 cable if it won't perform at the full data rate transfer of USB 2.0. That would be true of any USB cable, marked 2.0 or 1.1.

Probably the bottom line if it is really an issue is to buy a brand name quality cable (Not outrageously overpriced cables like Monster, though!) such as Belkin or similar. Just about anybody can stamp USB 2.0 compatible on the side of a cable. If it's from China and costs $1.50US, draw your own conclusions. If it cost $50 or more, you got ripped off.

I didn't want to spend the time to dig though the official USB 2.0 pages for cable specs, but if someone does, let us know.

[Marty2003]

I could be wrong about this but I remember reading somewhere that there's absolutely no difference between 1.1 or 2.0 cables. The only difference is the writing on the package. After all, all they are are pieces of wire. There's nothing in wire that could limit the speed to 11Mbps. redwuds explained it pretty well, the only thing that would limit the speed is the quality of constuction of the cables.

[Prot]

For faster transfer speeds, you need better quality cabling. If it doesn't say USB 2.0, assume it is 1.1.

[stiltman]

I've found there to be no difference at all

Tested on many different systems with many different cables. If you got a cable and a USB2 device and no USB1.1 devices hooked up to it anywhere, it'll work at full speed

[vhelp]

Look at the tab/tonge at the flatter end.

If it's gray (or thicker) it's a USB 2.0 cable.

-vhelp 3459