expresscard 34 usb 3.0 for macbook pro

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Level 1

8 points

expresscard 34 usb 3.0 for macbook pro

I'm looking for a solution, my USB hub is finished. Looking at OS X El Capitan, I believe it supports Express Card/34mm. If this is the case, my solution is to upgrade to El Capitan, purchase an express card with USB 3 ports. I have a MBP 17" 2010.

Any comments? Suggestions? Greatly appreciate everyone experience in this matter.

BTW, I'm presently running Mavericks. And I've read that Express Card port is turned off. I have to move on if I want to use it anyway.

PowerBook, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Boot Camp partition

Posted on Apr 27, 2016 11:09 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

marcosb86

Level 1

30 points

Sep 2, 2017 12:57 AM in response to Kilroy61

Working perfectly, but OS X driver has serious limitations.

You've to add GenericUSBXHCI.kext to /Library/Extensions: once you have disabled system protection from recovery mode MultiBeast do this for you in few seconds, very simple.

Follow this tutorial on Youtube GMYLE USB 3.0 express card 34 / How to MacBook Pro 17 Installation - YouTube.

I've buyed the first ExpressCard on Amazon (CSL, about 14 euro) and works perfectly, USB 3.0 speed on 2010 MacBook Pro with macOS Sierra 10.12.6.

Best regards

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Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 28, 2016 4:42 AM in response to Kilroy61

I have 1 2010 MBP and I use the 34 express card for eSATA connectivity. Far better performance than USB2.

You should have no problem getting it to work, but I suspect that you will not get the maximum throughput that USB3 theoretically provides. But there should be an improvement.

Ciao.

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Answer 3

Kilroy61 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 11:47 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Plug and play, heh. Not plug and pray. I'm aware that the port has a limitation of 5gb.

found this card on NCIX.

STARTECH 2 PORT EXPRESSCARD USB 3.0 CARD ADAPTER

http://www.ncix.com/detail/startech-2-port-expresscard-usb-9a-110646.htm

IT has UASP support with mean there was more thought to this card. There are no Mac drivers, which scares me. Anyone try this?

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 28, 2016 12:04 PM in response to Kilroy61

Sonnet also makes express card 34 devices.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

Kilroy61 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 12:50 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

I looked at their card, on Amazon I snuffled through some reviews. also a added comment about OS X drivers. Doesn't say which version of OS X. Pre OS X El Capitan? How are they now?

3. The Mac OS X Driver has SERIOUS LIMITATIONS. It only supports USB 3.0 hard drives, Sonnet's media reader and Lexar's Compact Flash/SD reader. The PC Drivers works for any 3.0 peripheral.

4. The Mac OS X Driver DOES NOT SUPPORT USB 3.0 HUBS. They do not show up when plugged in. This means I can't buy 4-port powered USB 3.0 HUBs and run 4 or more external hard drives off of this USB 3.0 adapter. Since NO USB 3.0 external drives allow you to daisy-chain hard drives, this limitation is difficult to accept. It limits the adapter to two external hard drives (one bus powered if you also use up a USB 2.0 port).

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