USB-C, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2 Confused? These numbers represent not only the form factor, but also the different standards and transfer speeds. They all look the same on the outside, but in reality there is a big difference. So what's the difference between USB 3.1 and other formats like USB 3.2 or USB-C? Let's talk about it today.
USB 3.1 refers to the transmission format, which is all about data and speed.
USB 3.1 is the codename for USB Transmission Subwoofer, which mainly refers to the data transfer speed of the USB connector, rather than describing the shape or size like USB-C. USB 3.1 was officially launched in July 2013, replacing USB 3.0 as the new high-speed USB standard.
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However, USB 3.1 is not the strongest, as USB 3.2 has now replaced USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. However, USB 3.2 is just a re-branding of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, so it's getting more and more confusing. The official naming conventions and their respective speeds are as follows:
USB 3.2 Gen 1 = USB 3.0. Maximum speed: 5Gbps. alternatively known as SuperSpeed USB.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 = USB 3.1, maximum speed: 10Gbps, also known as: SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps.
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 = USB 3.2. Maximum speed: 20Gbps. also known as: SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps.
How to use USB 3.2 Gen 2
One of the advantages of USB 3.2 Gen 2 is that it supports Power Delivery 2.0. It provides up to 100W of power for charging notebooks, and many notebooks that use USB-C support this standard.
USB-C does not mean USB 3.1
USB-C is associated with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 2×2, but that doesn't mean your USB-C supports USB 3.2. USB-C is just a representation of the form factor, with the letter types, such as A, B, and C, indicating the USB form factor, and the number types (3.2, etc.) indicating the data transfer capability.
Most computers nowadays use USB-A or USB-C, and USB-C is more common due to its smaller size and usually supports faster speeds and more power, but you need to be aware that the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 transfer speeds can only be achieved on USB-C.
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Thunderbolt 3 is Faster than USB 3.2
USB-C ports are also compatible with Thunderbolt 3, a standard that uses USB-C ports and offers data transfer rates of up to 40GBps, which is four times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2 and twice as fast as even the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
Thunderbolt 3 simultaneously charges, transfers data, and provides HDMI-like picture transfer, and it's only available on USB-C plugs right now. So you'll want to be aware that USB-C can be Thunderbolt 3, but it can also be USB 3.2 Gen 2, and you'll have to read the specs to find out which one it actually is.
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