Top Benefits of USB 3.0

USB 3.0 has raised the bar for data transfer technologies. This version of USB was not a simple rework and improvement of the previous versions; rather, it was a rebuilding of the standard from the ground up. Known as SuperSpeed USB, the new specifications have made many improvements over the previous versions. The most outstanding improvement is the transfer speed. Other benefits include backwards compatibility, lower power consumption and the wide adoption of USB.


Increased Speeds
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 had data transfer rates of 12Mbps and 480Mbps respectively. SuperSpeed USB has raised the bar to a staggering 4.8Gbps as a top transfer speed. While these numbers may look impressive, many people do not understand what that means in real application. To help understand the differences between USB technologies and competing data transfer methods refer to the chart below. The chart includes the different technologies and how long it would take to transfer a 25GB file (the size of a typical High Definition movie).

USB 1.1: 5 hours, 27 minutes, 7 seconds
USB 2.0: 8 minutes, 11 seconds
FireWire800: 4 minutes 54 seconds
SATA 3Gbps: 1 minute 17 seconds
USB 3.0: 43 seconds

Backwards Compatibility
Compatibility to previous versions of USB was essential for the creation of the USB 3.0 standards. Allowing people to be able to use older devices with newer controller cards and visa versa was essential. By maintaining backwards compatibility, users are able to integrate the newer products at their own pace. Cables, controllers and peripheral devices will all work together even if the USB versions are not the same. Backwards compatibility encourages adoption of the new technology, without putting financial and technical burdens on the user.

Low Power Consumption
With all of the emphasis on mobile computing, SuperSpeed USB has lowered the power consumption requirements. This provides more efficient use of battery power and prolonging run time and overall life of SuperSpeed USB devices. The lower power consumption also reduces heat build up, which can damage devices and reduce the life span. The less heat a system produces, the less money and power has to be spent in cooling the system.

Wide Spread Adoption
USB technology is the market leader in data transfer technology. The wide spread usage of USB for peripheral devices and direct connection to storage devices is another strength for USB. One connection type for multiple devices from mice, keyboards, enclosures, printers, hubs, hard drives, adapters and more use USB for connectivity. The wide spread adoption ensures that USB will remain a strong technology for many years.