Hi guys,
I'm going to install to my Mac Mini a G-Drive Mobile SSD which have an USB-C port.
For better performance can I connect it to Thunderbolt 2 port using the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter?
Is it a good idea or I waste my money to buy the adapter?
Mac mini, iOS 11.2
These days, USB is starting to get a bit confusing. Devices
with USB-C connectors can be USB 3.1 Gen1 (actually what
was once USB 3.0) and USB 3.1 Gen2. There are even more
confusing configurations in the specs.
So, if the device is a "Gen1", plug it into the USB3 as it won't be any
faster by plugging it in to the Thunderbolt port by any adapter scheme.
If it is a "Gen2" device, then adapters into the Thunderbolt port "may"
get better performance. I say "may" because ultimately the performance
could be limited by the actual SSD that is used. So, even if it is a "Gen2"
interface, it may not be any faster than a base Gen1.
A bit confusing but my suggestion would be just to use your USB3 ports
(all current USB specs are actually backward compatible all the way to
USB 2.0), and if performance is not to your liking, try adapters to Thunderbolt.
My guess is that depending on what the drive is used for, there won't be any
real world notable difference.
These days, USB is starting to get a bit confusing. Devices
with USB-C connectors can be USB 3.1 Gen1 (actually what
was once USB 3.0) and USB 3.1 Gen2. There are even more
confusing configurations in the specs.
So, if the device is a "Gen1", plug it into the USB3 as it won't be any
faster by plugging it in to the Thunderbolt port by any adapter scheme.
If it is a "Gen2" device, then adapters into the Thunderbolt port "may"
get better performance. I say "may" because ultimately the performance
could be limited by the actual SSD that is used. So, even if it is a "Gen2"
interface, it may not be any faster than a base Gen1.
A bit confusing but my suggestion would be just to use your USB3 ports
(all current USB specs are actually backward compatible all the way to
USB 2.0), and if performance is not to your liking, try adapters to Thunderbolt.
My guess is that depending on what the drive is used for, there won't be any
real world notable difference.
When using peripheral devices of any kind, whether it be USB flash drives, keyboards, anything, your machine will default to the lowest running device. So if my computer can only support USB 2, but I get a USB 3 flash drive, the transfer speed will be done at the speed of a USB 2. I hope that makes sense and answers your question. I think it would be a waste of your time.
Best of luck,
CrashBurner
external ssd usb-c to thunderbolt 2
