Compatibility between USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and Thunderbolt 3

Is (Samsung SSD T9) USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 (2000 mb/s writing) compatible with my MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 3 ports: USB 3.1 Gen 2? Will it write up to 2000 mb/s?


The specs for Thunderbolt 3 says: (a) Thunderbolt (up to 50Gb/s) and (b) USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s)

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.6

Posted on May 21, 2024 11:41 PM

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Posted on May 21, 2024 11:59 PM

It is my understanding that Macs do not support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. If you connect a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 device, the Mac and the device will negotiate a lowest common denominator speed (e.g., USB 3.1 Gen 2).


Most external SSDs are built to use Thunderbolt (only) or some form of USB 3 (only). I see no evidence that the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a Thunderbolt device. So while your Mac can speak Thunderbolt 3, it would quite quickly figure out that the SSD doesn't, and would make a traditional USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) connection.

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May 21, 2024 11:59 PM in response to Paracel

It is my understanding that Macs do not support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. If you connect a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 device, the Mac and the device will negotiate a lowest common denominator speed (e.g., USB 3.1 Gen 2).


Most external SSDs are built to use Thunderbolt (only) or some form of USB 3 (only). I see no evidence that the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a Thunderbolt device. So while your Mac can speak Thunderbolt 3, it would quite quickly figure out that the SSD doesn't, and would make a traditional USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) connection.

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Compatibility between USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and Thunderbolt 3

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