10x Faster USB 3.0 Is Here

usb3

We’ve been hearing about it for years, and now it’s finally happening: a new version of USB has arrived, and it’s ten times faster than its predecessor.

How much faster will this new system, called “SuperSpeed,” go?

If you were transferring a 25GB HD movie from one place to another with USB 1.0, it takes 9.3 hours. With USB 2.0, just under 14 minutes. With USB 3.0? 70 seconds.

Like the upgrade from USB 1.1 to 2.0, the new 3.0 connectors and cables will be physically and functionally compatible with hardware from the older specs. Of course, you won’t be able to maximize your bandwidth unless you’re using a USB 3.0 cable with Superspeed devices and ports, but at least plugging a 3.0 cable into a 2.0 port won’t blow up your PC.

Posted on March 23, 2009 | Filed Under Tech