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USB 3.0 and Why It Matters

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USB 3.0 cables are among the most advanced on the market today. Of course, there are many types of USB cables (i.e. Type-A, Type-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, and Type-C). When mixed in along designations (2.0, 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2), it can all be a little confusing. Here’s why USB 3.0 is such an important standard.

It’s All About Speed

USB cables are used to connect devices like smartphones and tablets to your computer or charging station. They transfer power to your devices, and also data to and from. You can use USB cables for downloading files to your phone or printer, and uploading files, such as photos, to your computer from your phone or camera, and a lot more.

USB 2.0 cables are the older generation of USB cables, and are slower than the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed cables. Though 2.0 is fine, 3.0 is much, much faster. Not all devices are able to support the 3.0 series, but those that can are able to see theoretical transfer speeds of 5 Gigabits per second, approximately ten times faster than the 2.0 cables.

Types of USB Cables

Most manufacturers use the color blue on the cables and ports, and sometimes have the initials SS (SuperSpeed) printed near the port.

Currently, there are four main types of USB 3.0 cables available.

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USB Type-A

This is the standard type of USB cable, mostly used for transfer from a host such as a desktop computer to a smaller device, such as a phone or music player.

USB Type-B

The Type-B connector has a square end, and is usually used for connecting printers or hard drives to computers.

USB Micro-A

The Micro-A cable is smaller and usually used for smartphones and other portable devices.

USB Micro-B

The Micro-B cable looks just like the Micro-A and is used for the same purposes. It’s compatible with the Micro-A as well.

USB Cable Compatibilities

  • The Type-A cable is compatible only with the USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 receptors and ports.
  • Type-B cables are not compatible with older Type-B receptors and ports. However, some of the older models are compatible with USB 3.0 receptacles.
  • Micro-A and Micro-B are compatible only with USB 3.0 Micro AB receptacles.
  • USB 2.0 Micro-A plugs are compatible with USB 3.0 Micro AB receptacles.

An important note is that both devices should be compatible with USB 3.0 in the first place, to improve performance and ease of use. This is the only way for a USB 3.0 cable to do its job.

Advancements in the Technology

In 2013, manufacturers released the USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ version, which was said to have theoretical speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second.

In 2017, manufacturers released the USB 3.2 version boasting theoretical speeds of up to 20 Gigabits per second.

Any way you look at it, the future is fast, and it is compact, and it’s coming our way. Are you prepared? Buy premium USB 3.0 cables today at PrimeCables.ca.

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