Hi,
I am not sure whether this topic has been posted (most probably yes), and I am sorry to recreate a similar topic. Couldn't find the previous one, or I have missed it.
Well, I believe the m14x at 2 USB 3.0 at the right side of the laptop. I plug-in-ed a USB 3.0 WD exteralHDD but the speed doesn't seems to be very fast. Sort of like USB 2.0.
Is there anyway I can check the speed, or confirm that both USB on the right are of 3.0?
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They are both usb 3.0. Problem is you need a device that can saturate the interface. An old fashioned spinning magnectic disk unfortunately is so 90's.
A very fast SSD obiwan, is possibly your only hope -
As far as I heard, USB 3 HDD still need more work and sometime it need an external software like your M14x, something called "USB 3 Controller" to enable the capability. Though I'm not sure if it really any app out there that can do that, my best guess is you should contact WD's tech support, they might be able to help you than in here.
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If the device is a USB 3.0 Hard drive then it will run at the speed of the mechanical disk. Its impossible to run faster.
I suggest that you benchmark the drive using both the left hand side usb 2.0 then the right hand side 3.0 port.
Then you will know if you have an issue. Obvioulsy is you have a usb 2.0 drive then the controller in the hard drive will be the limiting factor.
It has nothing to do with software. You will only be able to transfer data as fast as the slowest component.
If for example you have a 5400rpm hard drive in your external device, even moving it to a usb 3.0 caddy would be pretty pointless.
USB 3.0 is designed for faster devices, merely pluggin in a slow old device wont make it work any faster -
With USB 3.0 HDD connected to the USB 3.0 port i've seen speed vary greatly from 20MB/s - 130 MB/s. I know it's a big difference between 20 and 130 but it's what I've seen. It's almost like it decides when it wants to go fast and when it wants to slow down.
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Is there any difference to the type of files you are copying, ie large / small mix etc. Just considering what to do with my internal drive when the ssd turns up.
Not going to waste money on an external caddy for my original drive if it will perform better in my optical bay ? -
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I am pretty sure my external HDD is a 3.0 version, having the blue color at the usb port.
Might try to benchmark. But how do I do that? Never done it before..
Google-ing now.. -
You also need to be using a usb 3.0 cable i'm pretty sure.
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It's feel strange from the speed. Will do a benchmark test later. If speeds is just like 2.0, might look into software before I proceed with others
m14x USB 3.0
Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by or1onz, Aug 30, 2011.