When we buy a computer or some other devices, we usually look at the amount of USB ports that they have to see if they are enough, but rarely consider which version they are >. In fact, there are many people who do not know the differences between USB 2.0 and 3.0 , there are.
In general, as we say, what is sought is quantity and not quality , due, in part, to the fact that it is not an aspect that is often spoken at the time of Recommend one or the other equipment, really. This makes this an unimportant aspect for many of the users.
However, we can assure you otherwise. Considering the type of devices that can be connected, the content to be transferred and the things that can be done, we think it will be very interesting to know what these versions of your computer ports are like and, of course , what is the difference between them. Surely for the next time you have it in mind!
Index:
What main features does a USB 2.0 have and what types are there?
USB 2.0 is known as Hi-Speed USB due to the great leap in the aspect of speed compared to its predecessor. This is launched in the year 2000.
Its speed or transfer rate is 60 MB / s or 480 Mbit / s , its maximum practical real rate being 35 MB / s or 280 Mbit / s. This works through periodic consultation to the devices.
We found the types:
- General or standard : Both male and female are common, to connect small and medium-sized devices, via cable, to larger equipment. They are of type A and B.
- Mini: A later type designed to be included in small devices such as mobiles and cameras. In this case, it is common to find type B, although, of course, there is also type A, much less used. A special subtype is the 4-pin mini.
- Micro: These are the connectors we currently find to include in small devices. We also find, for this, the male B version.
The cable used to work in 2.0 includes four lines, two of them for data and the other two being for power.
What features do USB 3.0 ports have and what are their types?
USB 3.0 is known as Super-Speed USB or super-fast USB. Its launch takes place in 2008. It has two additional lines with respect to the previous one to send information, which allows a greater speed to transfer data, of 5 Gbit / s , which remain at a real rate 3.2 Gbit / s.
Two others are used exclusively for the reception of data, allowing the transfer in both directions simultaneously . This inevitably means that the cable must be thicker to fit these lines.
The 3.0 work comes with a new protocol that is no longer based on queries but does it on interrupts .
The types of connectors in 3.0 we find are:
- General or standard: Both female and male for type A and male for B.
- Micro: We just enjoyed, at the user level, type B male.
Comparison and differences between USB 2.0 and 3.0 Which is better?
Now that we have seen what each of these ports are and their main features, we are going to make a comparison so that we can more easily see what they look like and how they differ USB 2.0 and 3.0 .
Differences
Let’s start by indicating what is different about both versions:
- Types :
- Version 2.0, due to its greater longevity, has more types of connectors.
- The 3.0 are only two types with their two corresponding genres too.
- Data transfer rate:
- USB 2.0 transfers information at speeds up to 480 Mbit / s or 60 MB / s. Even so, its real rate is 280 Mbit / s.
- USB 3.0 is much faster, allowing data to be transferred up to 5 Gbit / s, that is, 10 times higher than the previous one.
- Transfer address:
- USB 2.0 only works in one direction at a time.
- Inclusion of more lines in version 3.0 makes us enjoy double directionality with two lines intended exclusively for reception.
- Construction:
- USB 2.0 has a white tongue.
- The 3.0 is blue.
- Power: Although this It may be the least of the points in terms of importance, it should be mentioned that the power of use of both is very different.
- USB 2.0 works up to 500 mA.
- USB 3.0 does it up to 900 mA, which means 80% extra power and allows us to quickly charge connected devices.
- Support for conte high resolution nest: High and high resolution content is a reality and also has its point in this case.
- USB 2.0 practically does not support external devices in HD and much less in UHD .
- 3.0, released when these contents were more present, does.
- Compatibility between them:
- A 2.0 port supports the connection of 3.0 devices and cables, although it will not be able to work under their conditions.
- 3.0 supports 2.0, working according to their possibilities.
- System compatibility:
- USB 2.0 becomes compatible even with Windows XP going back in time.
- USB 3.0 works on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016.
- Energy consumption:
- In the case of 3.0, when the devices are connected, but without data transfer occurs, will be suspended, with the energy savings that entails.
Similarities
Now let’s see how they are similar:
- Function: The functionality of both versions is identical, the content reading of the connected external devices and the data transfer > in both directions.
- Physical compatibility: The port and connector are the same in shape , so that we can connect cables of one type in other ports, although, as we have seen, there may be compatibility or not, but on a physical level, yes, they fit , that is, they are the same. It would not make sense if it were not so if we are giving compatibility options.
- Types: Some port types and connector are given in both versions .
How to know what type of USB port I have on my computer and if it 2.0 or 3.0?
Of course, beyond the color of the port, blue or white, which could sometimes deceive us (although it is not common, it is best to make sure you check it on your computer. Let’s see how to do it on PCs and Macs .
On PC
To find out what kind of ports you have on a personal computer:
- Click on the «Start» icon or on its button on the keyboard.
- In the search bar type «Control panel» .
- Click on the main result, with the icon of a panel.
- Once in it, click on the “Hardware and Sound” options .
- Here, look for the “Devices and Printers” menu, but don’t press it. Search through the options of this one, and press, “Device Manager” .
- A new window will open in which you can see all types of connected devices, or not, to your computer Find and click on the triangle to the left of “Universal serial bus controllers” , with the icon of a USB cable.
- The total number of controllers will be displayed, being able to see the type and version of each one . You can double click on each one to open its own properties window where, again, you will be able to see, in the «General» tab, the version (among other things).
On Mac
To do the same on Mac:
- Open your folderApplications offered.
- In this one, “Utilities” .
- Go now to “System Profile” .
- A new window will open with a series of tabs on the left. Find the “USB” and click on it.
- On the right you will see the USB device tree, which you can expand to see which ones you have . You can usually see the version right there, but if this is not the case:
- Click on any of them. Detailed information will appear in the area below. In this case you will have to look at the speed , which will correspond to that of one or another version (which we have already seen).