USB 3.1 & Type C - It's finally here!
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USB Type C is something I have looked forward to for a LONG time... Will it and the new 3.1 standard blow us away with performance gains and quality of life improvements? Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
The video explores the USB 3.1 refresh and the new USB Type C connector, evaluating what the new standards bring to the table in terms of usability, durability, and future potential. The host provides a hands-on look at hardware from MSI and other components to test drive the combined USB 3.1 Type C ecosystem, highlighting how the connector design is smaller, reversible, and capable of handling power delivery up to 100 watts through USB Power Delivery 2.0. He explains how Type C can carry USB data at 5 Gbps or 10 Gbps and the possibility of alternate modes like DisplayPort, which would enable a single cable to power devices, transfer data, and drive displays. The discussion emphasizes compatibility with existing USB generations, noting that USB 3.1 Type C remains physically compatible with 3.0, 2.0, and even older standards with varying driver support, while also acknowledging the initial driver and software state may affect actual performance numbers. Throughout the episode, the presenter tests a setup including PCIe storage, RAID configurations, and multiple SSDs to ensure there are no bottlenecks on the USB 3.1 path, and he references real-world benchmarks and early impressions from MSI’s board drivers and third-party sources. The host also reflects on market dynamics, such as how USB 3.1 Type C may challenge both existing connectors and competing technologies like Thunderbolt, while predicting a period of adjustment for consumers as cables and devices proliferate and compatibility gets sorted out. In closing, the video frames USB 3.1 Type C as a promising yet nuanced upgrade, promising improved durability and future-proofing, while cautioning viewers about the practical limits and costs associated with early adoption and the diversity of cables and devices available. The video ends with a call to join the community, explore the forum, and consider affiliate links that support ongoing content creation.
Topics · technology · hardware · consumer-electronics · networking · storage · computing
Questions answered
- What power delivery capabilities does USB Power Delivery 2.0 bring to USB 3.1 Type C
- USB Power Delivery 2.0 allows up to 100 watts of power delivery, enabling charging for devices from smartphones to laptops via the USB 3.1 Type C connector.
- Is USB 3.1 Type C backwards compatible with older USB standards
- Yes, USB 3.1 Type C is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0, and older USB generations through existing standards and drivers, though the performance and features available depend on the host controller and cable.
- What is an alternate mode mentioned for USB C
- An alternate mode refers to carrying additional signals such as DisplayPort over the USB C connector, allowing a single cable to handle data, power, and video for displays.