anniesu
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: usb compatability

I have a 2008 MacPro4.1 desktop. What version is the USB (I looked in info and it doesn't specify).

Because I want to connect 12T backup drive, but I think I can only do it with thunderbolt. The Lacie 12T is cheaper but not getting great reviews. I am going to be loading from all my storage HDs to take it to Mexico where I have a Mac MIni with thunderbolt. But will I be able to even connect to the MacPro?

will an adaptor work?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 23, 2016 10:28 AM

by John Lockwood,Apple recommended
John Lockwood John Lockwood
Level 6 (9,265 points)
Servers Enterprise
A:

It is possible to fit a USB3 PCIe card in the classic Mac Pro. This should significantly boost the speed of USB transfers. Other options would be to use FireWire or eSATA if your drives support it. Using eSATA would also require fitting a suitable PCIe card.

 

As Illaass mentioned it is not possible to upgrade the classic Mac Pro to have Thunderbolt.

Posted on Apr 25, 2016 3:36 AM

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anniesu

Q: usb compatability

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  • Helpful answers

  • by theratter,Helpful

    theratter theratter Apr 23, 2016 10:55 AM in response to anniesu
    Level 4 (3,907 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 23, 2016 10:55 AM in response to anniesu

    That model supports USB 2.0 and has no Thunderbolt capability without a third-party add-on card. It does have 2 FW400 and 2 FW800 ports. Apple does sell a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. I am not sure but there may be a third-party USB 3.0 card.

  • by lllaass,Helpful

    lllaass lllaass Apr 23, 2016 10:55 AM in response to theratter
    Level 10 (188,143 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 23, 2016 10:55 AM in response to theratter

    There are no Thunderbolt cards for a logic board that does not already have Thunderbolt capability. Thunderbolt has to be built into the Logic boards.

    There are PCLe Thunderbolt expansion cards that add additional Thunderbolt ports to a logic board that already has Thunderbolt built in.

    theratter wrote:

     

    That model supports USB 2.0 and has no Thunderbolt capability without a third-party add-on card. It does have 2 FW400 and 2 FW800 ports. Apple does sell a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. I am not sure but there may be a third-party USB 3.0 card.

  • by anniesu,

    anniesu anniesu Apr 23, 2016 10:58 AM in response to theratter
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 23, 2016 10:58 AM in response to theratter

    thanks for your help. so it seems like the LACIE backup drive is the way to go...I know it won't be fast but I'm really using it just for secondary bup.

  • by John Lockwood,Apple recommended

    John Lockwood John Lockwood Apr 25, 2016 3:36 AM in response to anniesu
    Level 6 (9,265 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Apr 25, 2016 3:36 AM in response to anniesu

    It is possible to fit a USB3 PCIe card in the classic Mac Pro. This should significantly boost the speed of USB transfers. Other options would be to use FireWire or eSATA if your drives support it. Using eSATA would also require fitting a suitable PCIe card.

     

    As Illaass mentioned it is not possible to upgrade the classic Mac Pro to have Thunderbolt.