Compatible External Hard Drive

[camscorner]

First, let me tell you I am not the most techie of people so please keep responses basic. 😀 I just purchased the HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation Desktop with Windows 11. I want to purchase an external hard drive but all the connections confuse the heck out of me. Some reviews say an adapter may be needed. I don't know how to figure out if I would need one.

My specs include:

I/O Port location -Front -

Ports - 4 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate (1 charging); 1 universal audio jack

Ports

1 audio-in; 1 audio-out; 1 RJ-45; 2 DisplayPort™ 1.4; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate; 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 3 USB Type-A 480Mbps signaling rate

I/O Port location - Rear

What do I need to know to purchase a compatible external drive? If I need an adapter, what kind would I need? Thanks for education the uneducated. 😂

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@camscorner , welcome to the Community.

Here is a good video that will explain the different types of USB ports:

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=how+to+determine+which+ports+are+SuperSpeed+USB...

I suggest that you use one of the "SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate" on the back of the workstation for the external hard drive.  Here is an example of a drive that should work.  There are many other brands available, as well.

Please click the "Yes" button if my reply was helpful and "Accept as Solution" if your problem is Solved!!

[camscorner]

Thank you! But am I missing something? Where is the example of a "hard drive that would  work"?

[old_geekster]

I was changing the drive that I used as an example.  If you go to my post you will see the example.

[camscorner]

Got it. Thanks so much!

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @camscorner!  It is my pleasure.  Always glad to help.