USB 3.0 on the PS4

ByKern Campbell, MBA

USB 2.0 and 3.0 can be confusing if you aren’t up-to-date with the differences between the two connectors. Using the correct USB type can improve your data transfer rates. Consoles like the PlayStation 4 require compatible USB connections. So, does the PS4 have USB 3.0?

usb 3.0 and 2.0 cable connector sockets

The standard PlayStation 4 has two USB 3.0 ports on the front of the console. The PS4 Pro has two USB 3.0 ports, one on the front and one on the back. USB 3.0 offers faster transfer rates than USB 2.0 and is much more powerful. You must use a USB 3.0 compatible external HDD when using the PS4.

Don’t worry if you’re still getting the hang of USB 3.0. There’s a lot to consider, especially if you are connecting external hard drives to your PS4. Let’s take a deeper look at everything you need to know about USB 3.0 on the PS4.

What Is USB 3.0?

USB 3.0 (On Amazon) was released around November 2008. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus (USB). Nearly all modern-day computers and electronics produced today support USB 3.0, which is typically called SuperSpeed USB.

Devices that use USB 3.0 can transmit data at a maximum rate of 5 Gbps, but most devices use 3,200 Mbps as it’s more reasonable for daily use.

This is much different than older USB standards, like USB 2.0, which can transfer data at a maximum of 480 Mbps. Even older USB standards, like USB 1.1, can only transfer data at a maximum of 12 Mbps.

USB 2.0 vs. 3.0: What’s the Difference?

The most significant difference between USB 3.0 and 2.0 is data transfer rates. That said, there are some smaller differences between the two, including connectors, compatibility, and power. Let’s take a deeper look at the significant differences between USB 3.0 and 2.0.

USB 3.0 Is Faster

USB 2.0 provides transfer rates of around 480 Mbps. USB 3.0 can transfer data around 3,200 – 4,800 Mbps, making it much faster. The faster speeds of USB 3.0 make it worthwhile for transferring or backing up large amounts of information, like the information stored on external hard drives.

Remember that these speeds are under ideal conditions, and the rates are different with everyday use.

USB 2.0 Has Fewer Connector Wires

USB 2.0 has four connector wires, while USB 3.0 has nine connector wires. The additional wires increase the speed and bandwidth of the cord and add to the efficiency of USB 3.0.

USB 3.0 Has More Power

USB 3.0 offers more power and functions at more efficient rates than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is preferred for larger transfer rates and high data use devices.

USB 3.0 Is Backwards Compatible

USB 3.0 ports are entirely backward compatible with older models. This means USB 3.0 ports work with other USB variants, like 2.0. You can plug a USB 2.0 into a 3.0 port and have it work without issue. That said, if you connect a USB 3.0 drive to a USB 2.0 port, it will be restricted to the maximum data transfer rates of USB 2.0.

USB 3.0 Is Blue

You can tell the difference between USB 3.0 and 2.0 by looking at the color of the inside ports. USB 2.0 has a black interior, while USB 3.0 has a blue interior.

How to Connect a PS4 to a USB 3.0

So, now that you understand some of the differences between USB 3.0 and 2.0, how can you connect your PlayStation 4 to USB 3.0? Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

  • The standard PlayStation 4 has two USB 3.0 ports on the front of the console.

  • The PlayStation 4 Pro has two USB 3.0 ports on the front and an additional port on the backside.

You can simply connect your USB 3.0 device to one of the ports on your PlayStation 4. That said, USB 2.0 might only work on the backside of the PlayStation 4 Pro, according to some gamers.

How to Connect an External HDD to Your PlayStation 4

PS4

You may need to connect an external hard drive to your PlayStation 4 via USB 3.0. Here’s how you can get started:

  • The PlayStation 4 is compatible with any external HDD with a USB 3.0 connection.

  • The PlayStation4 is compatible with drives between 256GB and 8TB of storage space.

  • The external HDD must have zero additional features and be a plain drive.

  • Once you connect the compatible drive, you must go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices > Format as Extended Storage.

  • It should take less than a minute for the external HDD to finish formatting. Afterward, you can use it as usual.