Avoid platforms with USB 3.0 but which lack USB 2.0?

[NeverDie]

Noticed the MBD-X9SBAA-F-O seems like a nice low power platform (one of the very few with ECC memory), but it seems hamstrung by its use of only USB 3.0 without any USB 2.0.

e.g. see comments in reviews here: SUPERMICRO MBD-X9SBAA-F-O Mini ITX Server Motherboard - Newegg.com

Such a pity.

Is there a workaround to this issue, or for now is it best to just avoid platforms that are USB3.0-only?

 

[cptbjorn]

Are they not backwards compatible like 2.0 was with 1.1/1.0?

 

[smithse79]

Are they not backwards compatible like 2.0 was with 1.1/1.0?

Some OSes won't install from USB3.0 I know for a fact that Windows7 (not terribly relevant here) won't install from USB3.0 ports. It will boot into the installer and let you select language, but then will error out. I would assume Server 2008R2 and earlier would be the same but I have no experience trying them.

 

[namike]

As a side note, you can add USB 3.0 drivers to your Windows 7 media and boot/install from it with no issues (have done it myself).

How to Install Windows 7 with only USB 3.0 Ports

That is a guide with a basic "how to".