Which type of connector is needed for an external hard drive?

A Quick Guide to Replacing Lost External Hard Drive Cable

External hard drives provide the much-needed extra memory just in case you run short of storage space or want to replace the internal hard drive. In short, these devices are convenient and handy; however, they cannot work without an external hard drive cord. You can find a wide selection of these items listed on eBay.

How do you replace a lost external hard drive cable?

Do not fret if you lose your original cable because external hard drives work with other cables. As long as you replace with the right cable for an external hard drive, you will not have any technical issues with your external hard drive cable replacement. Here, you need a USB hard drive cable that has the same connector as the original. Sometimes, a long hard drive cord may fail to power up the external hard drive, so try to find a shorter external hard drive cord.

What are the main connectors for external hard drive cables?

Cables are sold according to connector type, so understanding the external hard drive cable types helps you make the right replacement. The main types of connectors are described below:

• USB: This is the main type of connection found in computers, phones, and printers. Within the bigger category, there are several subcategories. The oldest USB connector is USB 2.0, but this is gradually fading from the market. USB 3.0 is considered as the standard USB connector. The newest type of USB connectors is USB 3.1, and it comes in three classifications: USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. External hard drive cables usually use USB-A to connect to computers. Though rare, you may find a cable for an external hard drive that uses a USB-B connector. USB-C is the latest version and is highly versatile.
• Firewire: This connection type is often found in laptops, and it is useful for connecting external hard drives. Firewire 800 is the newest version, and it offers better performance.
• E-SATA: This is used to connect computers to optical drives and external hard drives. This external hard drive cable type targets people looking for higher transfer rates. Due to their ability, they usually require an independent power supply.

Does devices with USB 2.0 port work with another cable?

While you cannot change your hard drive port from 2.0 to 3.0, USB 2.0 and 3.0 are backward and forward compatible. It is possible to use a 3.0 USB hard drive cable to link to a 2.0 device.

A Quick Guide to Replacing Lost External Hard Drive Cable

External hard drives provide the much-needed extra memory just in case you run short of storage space or want to replace the internal hard drive. In short, these devices are convenient and handy; however, they cannot work without an external hard drive cord. You can find a wide selection of these items listed on eBay.

How do you replace a lost external hard drive cable?

Do not fret if you lose your original cable because external hard drives work with other cables. As long as you replace with the right cable for an external hard drive, you will not have any technical issues with your external hard drive cable replacement. Here, you need a USB hard drive cable that has the same connector as the original. Sometimes, a long hard drive cord may fail to power up the external hard drive, so try to find a shorter external hard drive cord.

What are the main connectors for external hard drive cables?

Cables are sold according to connector type, so understanding the external hard drive cable types helps you make the right replacement. The main types of connectors are described below:

• USB: This is the main type of connection found in computers, phones, and printers. Within the bigger category, there are several subcategories. The oldest USB connector is USB 2.0, but this is gradually fading from the market. USB 3.0 is considered as the standard USB connector. The newest type of USB connectors is USB 3.1, and it comes in three classifications: USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. External hard drive cables usually use USB-A to connect to computers. Though rare, you may find a cable for an external hard drive that uses a USB-B connector. USB-C is the latest version and is highly versatile.
• Firewire: This connection type is often found in laptops, and it is useful for connecting external hard drives. Firewire 800 is the newest version, and it offers better performance.
• E-SATA: This is used to connect computers to optical drives and external hard drives. This external hard drive cable type targets people looking for higher transfer rates. Due to their ability, they usually require an independent power supply.

Does devices with USB 2.0 port work with another cable?

While you cannot change your hard drive port from 2.0 to 3.0, USB 2.0 and 3.0 are backward and forward compatible. It is possible to use a 3.0 USB hard drive cable to link to a 2.0 device.