Usb 3.0 vs usb 3.1

If you've spent time shopping or searching for new devices, you've heard of the new USB ports and standards. There are USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports, and then there is something called USB-C, officially known as USB Type-C.

How is USB 3.1 different from USB 3.0 or even 2.0? We explain everything in this article. Prepared? Let's start!

Index of contents

What is the USB port and the differences between USB 3.0 and USB 3.1

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is a port standard that has been around for almost 20 years and is the most widely used. Since there are so many USB compatible devices, it is important to stay updated on the latest developments in this port, cable and standard. There are many improvements to the reliable USB port that we have been using for so long. The new USB Type-C cable and port is reversible, so there is no "up" or "down", and you can plug it in anyway. There are other new features in this USB Type-C, too, like ultra-fast data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps and up to 100W of power, enough to charge a laptop, and even add an HDMI or DisplayPort video signal in a single cable.

However, it is important to know that each of these enhancements is a separate specification, and device and cable manufacturers may choose to integrate one, two, or all of them. The ability to provide 100W of power is called USB Power Delivery or USB PD. Fast data transfer rate is a specification called USB 3.1 or USB 3.1 Gen2, while DisplayPort integration is its own feature. If these are important to you, be very careful to read the documentation of the products you are buying.

It's hard to believe, but USB 3.0 was introduced more than half a decade ago, in November 2008. USB 3.0 then significantly increased data transfer speeds. USB 2.0 was only capable of a theoretical maximum data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second, while USB 3.0 was capable of 5 gigabits per second, or 10 times faster. To distinguish between USB 2.0 and 3.0, the USB 3.0 ports have a blue connector inside.

USB 3.1 was released a few years ago, in July 2013. Since then, device manufacturers have been working hard to bring the new standard to their home products. USB 3.1 data transfer speed is amazing, 10Gbps. This rivals the speed of Ethernet and the original Thunderbolt. However, there are few devices that can achieve such high data transfer rates. Current SSDs have transfer rates that can push USB 3.0 to its limits, but not 3.1.

USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 connection speeds

USB speeds
USB 2.0	480 Mbps
USB 3.0	5 Gbps
USB 3.1	10 Gbps

The version determines the transfer speed and the type of connector to physical form

Remember that the USB version (3.1, 2.0, etc.) describes the data rate and specifications of a cable or connection, while the USB type (A, B, C) describes the physical connection, port shape and connector. Therefore, a traditional Type-A connector can accept USB 3.1, 3.0, 2.0, and even 1.0 USB cables and devices, regardless of which version of USB the port supports. The lowest version of USB among cables and devices will determine the data transfer rate port by port. If you have a PC with USB 3.0 ports and you have a USB 3.1 hard drive, both will run at USB 3.0 speeds, while the webcam will run at USB 2.0 speeds.

Similarly, a USB Type-C port can be compatible with USB 3.1, 3.0, or even USB 2.0, so just because you see the new port doesn't mean you can transfer data at high speeds or provide 100W of power. When you see the term USB 3.1 Gen 1, this is just a fancy name for USB 3.0 and provides speeds of up to 5 Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 is the new name for USB 3.1 that provides speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Confused? Sure, it can be hard to tell if your PC has USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 are almost the same. The USB Implementers Forum has said that the USB 3.1 specification absorbed USB 3.0, meaning the terms USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 are synonymous.

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In marketing materials, USB 3.1 Gen 1 is called SuperSpeed ​​USB or simply SuperSpeed, while USB 3.1 Gen 2 is known as SuperSpeed ​​USB 10Gbps, or SuperSpeed ​​+. The product's USB logo will be surrounded by a battery if it has the 100W USB power supply function.

Backward compatibility guaranteed

If you are concerned that your old new camera or joystick is not compatible with the new standards and USB ports, no problem, as each USB Type A port is compatible with the previous standards. You can plug your 10 year old USB 2.0 webcam into any USB Type A 3.1, 3.0 or 2.0 port and it will work. You won't get the fast data transfer speeds of the new standards, but you won't have any problems using the device. Similarly, there is no reason to worry about switching to USB Type-C and losing compatibility with all of your USB devices. You will need some type of adapter, but there is no reason why you cannot connect a USB hub to your USB Type-C port.

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This ends our special article on USB 3.0 vs. USB 3.1, the most important differences, remember that you can share it with your friends on social networks so that it can help more users. You can also leave a comment if you have any questions.

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