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Cable Query
#52022 07/08/19 03:10 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 14
ryck Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 14
This is one of two drives I am considering for backup and, because my USB 3 ports are all occupied, I’d like to use one of the vacant Thunderbolt ports. I also want to derive the power for the drive from the iMac port.

I assume I can use my Thunderbolt ports because they are designated Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and Apple support describes them as: “Thunderbolt 3 also supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity at up to 10 Gbps, and can supply 15 W of power per port to external devices.”

However, the LaCie drive output is only described as USB 3.

My Thunderbolt port information is:

Port:
Status: No device connected
Link Status: 0x101
Speed: Up to 40 Gb/s x1
Current Link Width: 0x1
Receptacle: 2
Link Controller Firmware Version: 0.37.0

I’ve been unable to locate a cable that would go from the USB 3 output to my Thunderbolt ports, which makes me wonder if I’ve reached the right conclusion in terms of connecting the drive to the Mac.

Thoughts? Cautions?


ryck

"What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" The Doobie Brothers

iMac (Retina 5K, 27", 2020), 3.8 GHz 8 Core Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 2667 MHz DDR4
OS Ventura 13.6.3
Canon Pixma TR 8520 Printer
Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner c/w VueScan software
TM on 1TB LaCie USB-C
Re: Cable Query
ryck #52023 07/08/19 03:35 PM
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I use a USB C to USB adaptor. Works great.

The drive you are looking at has a good reputation but note that it is USB 3.0. USB 3.1 gen 1 is several times faster and USB 3.1 gen 2 matches USB C speeds. There are USB 3.1 gen 1 drives out there for only a few dollars more than USB 3.0 and IMO they are worth searching out.

Last edited by joemikeb; 07/08/19 04:04 PM.

If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: Cable Query
joemikeb #52024 07/08/19 03:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
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Bad link...connects to:

Quote:
Veterans and Military Purchase Plan
You’re just a couple steps away.
To receive special pricing on Apple products, we just need you to:
Verify your veteran or active military status with ID.me.
Review and agree to the store’s terms and conditions.
Get started
Verify with ID.me*


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Cable Query
artie505 #52025 07/08/19 03:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
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Likes: 16
Originally Posted By: artie505
Bad link...connects to:

Quote:
Veterans and Military Purchase Plan
You’re just a couple steps away.
To receive special pricing on Apple products, we just need you to:
Verify your veteran or active military status with ID.me.
Review and agree to the store’s terms and conditions.
Get started
Verify with ID.me*

Thanks Artie. Catalina, Safari 13, and Apple's veteran's store threw me a curve ball on that one. I have corrected the URL, but since that has been turned on I can't tell for sure the new URL works correctly.


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: Cable Query
joemikeb #52026 07/08/19 04:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
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Looks good...

Quote:
USB-C to USB Adapter
$19.00

More: And as clarification for ryck, USB-C's default protocol os USB 3.1, ie. the cable will be good for any flavor of USB up to and including 3.1.

Last edited by artie505; 07/08/19 04:26 PM. Reason: More

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire

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