jmke

Is there any one PC component more overdue for an upgrade than the lowly USB port? The USB 2.0 spec was released a decade ago. Although its 480Mbps peak data rate might have been impressive in the era that preceded Windows XP, it's laughably inadequate for today's external storage devices. Thankfully, SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is upon us. The new spec promises a peak data rate of 5Gbps, which is about a tenfold increase over its predecessor.

Despite a lack of support for USB 3.0 in the latest core-logic chipsets from AMD and Intel, motherboard makers have eagerly hopped on the bandwagon. Most new high-end and mid-range mobos sport NEC's two-port SuperSpeed controller, and we've seen a few laptops pop up with USB 3.0 connectivity, as well. The market doesn't appear to be waiting for core-logic chipset support, and Intel is rumored to be working on a stand-alone SuperSpeed chip of its own.

With blue USB 3.0 ports storming the market, one problem remains: what are you going to plug into one? At the moment, the options are pretty limited. One of the few USB 3.0 devices actually available for purchase is Super Talent's USB 3.0 RAIDDrive.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/18974

__________________