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usb ports on MacPro

Can I plug a usb 3 hub in one port and a usd hub in another port and not have the two interfere with each other? I have 2013 MacPro.

Mac Pro, macOS 11.2

Posted on Mar 9, 2021 8:01 AM

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Posted on Mar 9, 2021 8:06 AM

No problems.


Each port makes its own chain of devices that stay separate. There will be no overlap and no confusion.


Each port has its own POWER budget, so self-powered Hubs and devices are preferable for long term trouble-free operation.

6 replies

Mar 9, 2021 9:57 AM in response to WilliamL

USB-2 type A has four conductors:



To get to USB-3 speeds, more conductors are added as a superset, using balanced drivers and receivers and full duplex operation:



so if all you ever want is USB-2 speeds, your old cables are fine.


If you ever want USB-3 speeds, all the USB-3 devides need to be contiguous next to the computer port, because the first USB-2 device/cable will slow all further USB devices down (it does not conduct the extra signals through.)

usb ports on MacPro

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