Which Cable To Connect Hard Drive With Usb 2.0 Connector To Computer With Usb 3.1 Type C Port

I have read that connecting a USB 2.0 device such as an external hard drive to a computer with a USB 3.1 type C port can be problematic. If the proper cable is not used, the external hard drive can draw too much power and be damaged.

Is the above correct?
How do I choose the proper cable for this connection?

 

Where did you read that? Got a link?

The problem with too much power demand typically only occurs when you use a hub that gets its power through the port, then you connect too many devices to the hub - like connecting too many strings of Christmas lights to several 3-way adapters all connected to the same wall outlet.

With one drive, there is no need to worry. And if your external drive enclosure has its own power supply (recommended), then there definitely is no need to worry.

 

Sorry... I can't find the link. The writer said that the proper cable should have resistors in the 3.1 to 2.0 connection to limit power draw. Did not make much sense to me. Am I missing something?

What about my other questions -- what is the proper cable to connect a USB 2.0 device to a USB 3.1 type C connection on a computer?

 

Thank you so much for finding this -- much appreciated.

 

Now I understand and the guy is right - that's because some devices (like smart phones with quick charge capability that use the USB 3.1 standards) can demand a lot more power than typical USB 2.0 or 3.0 devices - like external drives and thumb drives. The designers of USB2.0 ports never anticipated such power demands through the USB2.0 ports.

So the problem is NOT with connecting a USB2.0 device to a USB3.1 port - the problem is the other way around. You don't want to connect a USB3.1 device to a USB2.0 port (unless that 3.1 device comes with its own external power supply and only data is going through the USB port).

Something else here to remember, USB3.1 and USB-C are NOT the same thing! USB-C is a connector. USB 3.1 is the technology standard. Just because there is a USB-C connector, that does not mean USB3.1 technologies and protocols are there, it may only be supporting the older USB-2.0 or USB 3.0 standards.

Clear as mud, huh?

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/119794/20151228/usb-type-c-vs-usb-3-1-heres-the-difference.htm