Chuck's Blog

Adios USB 2.0–Hello USB 3.0

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TechBite’s columnist Steve Bass writes weekly commentary on the technology products he loves, the strategies for getting the most out of them, and the gotchas that can cause computing misery. Plus a couple of weekly laughs.

Adios USB 2.0–Hello USB 3.0; Freebie Photo Tool

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USB specs are inflated… they always are. USB 2.0 is rated at 480 Mbit/s (about 57MB/s) while USB 3.0 is 4.8 Gbit/s (572 MB/s). In the real world, the only users getting these speeds are the marketing people who dreamed up the specs. On my PC, USB 2.0 moved files at 25MB/s and USB 3.0 can get up to 55MB/s.

Here’s a comparison between file transfers with USB 2.0 versus USB 3.0.

I used TeraCopy, a free copying utility, to measure the transfer speed.

TeraCopy shows you the speed of the transfer.

USB 3.0 Right Now
Unless you have a need to be on the edge, I’d say wait. But I know some of you want USB 3.0 now, so you have two choices: Buy a new PC with it built into the system board, or spend about $45 for a USB 3.0 adapter.

I used StarTech’s 2 Port PCI Express SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Card Adapter with two external ports. (For $60, you can choose a card with one external and one internal port for connecting internal USB devices.) They’re both backward compatible to USB 2.0. You’ll also need a USB 3.0 cable, about $15.

Installation is no different from sticking in any other adapter–open the PC’s case and insert the card into an empty PCI Express slot. You’ll need to make a connection from your PC’s power supply to the card using an LP4 molex connector (most power supplies have extra connectors).

Be aware that the maximum throughput of these cards is limited by your PC’s bus interface. PCI Express Gen 1.0 is stuck at 2.5 Gbps. (Use the freebie SIW–System information for Windows–to find out your PC’s bus interface speed.)

If you have a notebook, you can try StarTech’s Card Adapter. Because the adapter isn’t powered, though, the external device you use may need its own power source.

On a sad note, you’ll be disappointed to hear the USB connector that plugs into your PC is still dopey–you’ll have to continue guessing which side is up.

New USB 3.0 cables (you’ll still have to guess which way to plug it in…)

Need a USB 3.0 Device?
You’ve probably figured out that there aren’t tons of USB 3.0 devices out and about, and you’ll pay a premium for those that are available. USBEverything has a list of USB 3.0 gadgets (it also has a nifty FAQ with details about the new standard)