USB2 and USB3 - external hard drive

[Sarasocke]

I'm about to order an additional external hard drive, but my USB3 ports don't work (I'm a computer idiot and I shall have to get someone in to fix it). The USB2 ports are fine.

If I have a USB3 device I can use it via a USB2 port. Does it also work the other way round? Can I use a USB2 device on a USB3 port or will my comuter blow up?

Just for future reference in case I ever get the USB3 ports fixed. 

Thanks!

[Sarasocke]

Just changed the title ...

I was going to get a 1TB hard drive, but see that it doesn't cost much more to get a 2TB.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
Difficult when you don't know what to look for exactly.

I use the hard drives for back-up only, so speed isn't soooo important.

[WillyP]

It depends on whether the device in question requires 3.0, if not, it will 'fall back' to 2.0.

If the 3.0 jack on your case does not work, it is probably because the mother board does not support 3.0. If it is a jack directly on the motherboard, or on an add in card, it may be configured wrong, drivers not installed, or a defect.

Any 2.0 only device should work on a 3.0 port.

[Colin]

Any USB2 will work in any usb 1,2 or 3 port. USB3 devices are supposed to work in usb 1and 2 ports BUT as they are relatively new we don't know for certain. I have a usb3 card reader and it works fine in both 2 and 3 ports using a usb 3 lead. The speed difference is incredible in a 3 port. USB3 has additional pins over 2 and 1 and that is how it gets the additional speed. Most motherboards require additional drivers to turn on usb3 and they are usually on the cd that comes with the motherboard if not check out the manufacturers website.

[Sarasocke]

Thanks for the infos!

I've gone for a 2TB USB3 device from Intenso. I thought there's no point going backwards in technology.
I've found someone to fix my USB3 ports, so I should be OK.