HT201163: Using USB 3 devices on Mac computers

Learn about Using USB 3 devices on Mac computers
NZDoug

Q: how can you tell if you have USB 3?

I want to order an external hard drive for an iMac and Im not sure that this computer has usb3.

its a iMac g5 intel Core2 Duo. running OS 10.6.8

model identifier 8,1

2.8 ghz

What year would this be?

Is it usb3?

 

also, Im operating OS10.6.8.

Is this Snow Leopard? and the Seven Dwarfs?

Is there a place in info that tells you the OS in animal names?

thanks!

Posted on Jun 19, 2015 3:15 PM

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Q: how can you tell if you have USB 3?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Jun 19, 2015 3:18 PM in response to NZDoug
    Level 10 (312,075 points)
    Jun 19, 2015 3:18 PM in response to NZDoug

    1. 2008.

    2. No; it can use USB 3.0 devices, but at USB 2.0 speed.

    3. It's Snow Leopard.

    4. Not in the OS. Click here.

     

    (128918)

  • by Ralph9430,Solvedanswer

    Ralph9430 Ralph9430 Jun 19, 2015 3:38 PM in response to NZDoug
    Level 6 (18,178 points)
    Jun 19, 2015 3:38 PM in response to NZDoug

    To actually determine the speed of your USB bus on your Mac Select:

    Apple Menu > About this Mac

    Then Click on System Report.

    In the left column scroll down and click on USB

    The speed of the bus will be shown to the right.

  • by NZDoug,

    NZDoug NZDoug Jun 19, 2015 3:48 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 19, 2015 3:48 PM in response to Niel

    Thanks a lot Neil.

    So I can upgrade Snow Leopard to a newer system I think.

    If I run software update from under the Apple menu, it says "software up to date".

    Should I buy a disc to go to a newer system?

    I have a Mac Book Pro on OS10.10.10  and I remember my MYOB and word processor wouldnt work (not Claris Works but the later one).

    Whats the latest version I can install without upgrading the software, especially Photoshop CS3?

  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Jun 19, 2015 3:51 PM in response to NZDoug
    Level 10 (312,075 points)
    Jun 19, 2015 3:51 PM in response to NZDoug

    1. No. Depending on what version you choose, you either buy a download code for Lion or Mountain Lion from the online Apple Store, or download Yosemite for free from the Mac App Store.

    2. Click here and look your applications up. For any PowerPC software, 10.6.8.

     

    (128919)

  • by NZDoug,

    NZDoug NZDoug Jun 19, 2015 4:17 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 19, 2015 4:17 PM in response to Niel

    Thanks, Guys. This gives me lots to read.

    I think the real solution is a brand spankin new Mac !