USB to Firewire Transfer rates?

July 23, 2009 - 7:35 pm

Im trying to buy a SATA HDD enclosure, but most enclosures I see (at least the "cheaper" ones) have USB/eSATA out only. My macbook doesnt have eSATA and I want to use FireWire. If I buy a USB to FireWire adapter, will the transfer speeds be at FireWire or USB? Thank you!

I assume that you know firewire speed is greater than USB 2.0 In this case the actual transfer speed will be a little bit below the USB speed because the converter will add overhead.

2 Responses to “USB to Firewire Transfer rates?”

  1. bat_m_a_n Says:

    I assume that you know firewire speed is greater than USB 2.0 In this case the actual transfer speed will be a little bit below the USB speed because the converter will add overhead.
    References :

  2. ELfaGeek Says:

    USB (about 400 kbs)

    Firewaire is about 480 kbs, so USB should be about 20% slower.

    That said, I use a USB external Hard Drive with my MAC and find that the performance is acceptable for my needs..
    References :

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