Computers may accept assorted types of USB ports, but how do you apperceive which ones are which? Follow the sections beneath to apprentice what USB 3.0 is, and how to acquisition it on a PC or Mac.
What is USB 3.0?
USB 3.0 (aka USB 3) is a specific bearing of USB ports. The capital aberration amid USB versions is their alteration amount (speed) and how abounding adapter pins they have. USB 3.0 ports accept 9 pins and accept an alteration amount of 5 Gbit/s, but 3.1 versions accept 10 Gbit/s. While not technically a USB 3 port, the USB-C adapter supports USB versions 3.1 and 3.2 and can affix to USB 3 ports with the actual cable or adapter.
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Are 3.0 USB ports astern compatible?
USB access are backwards compatible. That agency earlier versions will assignment with new versions, but they’ll alone assignment at their aboriginal speed. For example, if you affix a USB 2 adamantine drive to a USB 3 port, the alteration amount will be USB 2 speeds. Or, if you use an adapter to affix a USB 3 adamantine drive to a USB-C port, the alteration amount will be at USB 3 speeds. You can go the added way around, too. That agency abutting a USB 3 adamantine drive to a USB 2 anchorage will work, but alone at the USB 2 speeds.
- USB-C (3.1, 3.2, Thunderbolt 3 enabled)
- USB-C (3.1, 3.2, not Thunderbolt enabled)
- USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed+)
- USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed)
- USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
- USB 1.1 (Full-Speed)
- USB 1.0 (Low-Speed)
What’s altered about USB-C?
USB 1, 2, and 3 connectors are all similar, but the USB-C adapter is unique. USB-C has added acquaintance pins which increases bandwidth and charging capabilities. Paired with the appropriate cable or adapter it can be acclimated at 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2 speeds. Another different affection of USB-C is that it can be Thunderbolt 3 enabled, which supports access to Thunderbolt 3 enabled devices. If your computer is Thunderbolt 3 enabled, that agency the USB-C adapter can still be acclimated for USB speeds, but additionally Thunderbolt 3 access and speeds. You’ll aloof charge the actual Thunderbolt 3 cable or adapter. Learn added about What Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Mean to Musicians and Engineers.
Are all USB 3.0 ports blue?
Many computers analyze USB 3.0 with dejected ports, but newer PC’s about don’t. Mac computers accept never acclimated dejected ports. When initially released, USB 3 ports were acclimated alongside USB 2 ports. Differentiating them by blush makes it accessible to analyze as to abstain abutting to the amiss port. As USB 2.0 ports were frequently replaced with 3.0 ports, their blush adverse became beneath necessary. The addition of USB-C has additionally fabricated 2.0 ports beneath common, and appropriately the blush adverse beneath necessary.
USB 3.0 ports on PC
On a PC, USB 3.0 ports can be articular by blockage the Device Manager. You can additionally analyze the concrete ports on your computer which will either be blue, or apparent with a “SS” (SuperSpeed) logo. Follow the instructions beneath to amount analyze the USB ports on your PC.
- Right-click the Windows figure (bottom left) and baddest Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager window, baddest Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Locate the USB anchorage by its blazon (e.g. 3.0, 3.1). If there are not 3.0 or aloft ports, your computer is not USB 3 enabled.
USB 3.0 ports on Mac
On a Mac, USB ports can be articular in the System Information menu. They’re not dejected or apparent like on a PC. Here’s an Apple commodity area you can apprentice added about USB access on Mac computers. Follow the instructions beneath to amount out if you accept 2.0 or 3.0 USB ports on your Mac.
- Click the Apple figure (top left) and baddest About This Mac.
- Within the About This Mac window, bang System Report.
- (optional) For OS X 10.9 or below, bang More Info….
- In the System Information window, bang Hardware and baddest USB.
- Locate the USB anchorage by its blazon (e.g. 3.0, 3.1). If there are not 3.0 or aloft ports, your computer is not USB 3 enabled.
