Buzz
We've surely come across terms like USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2 several times. So, what exactly is USB 3.1? What advantages does it offer over USB 3.0, and how do USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 differ? Let's delve into it below.
1. Deciphering USB 3.0
In simple terms, USB 3.0 is a connectivity standard enabling data transmission (typically used for connecting with laptops) with theoretical speeds of up to 5GB/s. However, in real-world scenarios, speeds max out at around 300Mb/s. Thus, under optimal conditions, transferring a 1GB file would take nearly 4 seconds.
2. Unveiling USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 is another name for USB 3.0 after the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) rebranded it. However, there are no changes in technical specifications. You'd still spend about 4 seconds to complete a 1GB file transfer (under optimal conditions), which is ten times faster than the previous generation, USB 2.0, with a maximum practical speed of around 35/40 MB/s (about 40 seconds for a 1GB file).
3. Unveiling USB 3.1 Gen 2
As a robust upgrade from USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2 offers theoretical speeds of up to 10GB/s. However, similar to its predecessors, this number doesn't accurately reflect real-world scenarios. The best practical speed this port supports remains at approximately 1.2GB/s (meaning you'd take less than a second to download a 1GB file).
I've condensed the information into the image below for further clarity. Feel free to check it out.
1. Comparing USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 logos
2. Comparing speeds of USB generations
