Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube
USB 3.0 is still 3rd party in most systems. Intel chipsets with USB 3.0 controllers will be out in a year or two. eSata is still faster than USB 3.0 right now.
I'd wait a year if you don't have it already. Most new computers and laptops do have USB 3.0 though and USB is easier to use and more widely available than eSata. It's also easier with hot-plugging, especially if you are dealing with systems without ACHI.
USB 3.0 with good controllers be faster than mechanical drives can keep up with anyway so it's better to use with an SSD/flash drive with USB 3.0
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Translation:
USB 3.0 is just an add on right now.
Wait, don't buy a USB 3.0 card.
Expanded translation (i.e. filling in the gaps that were lost in translation):
The benefit to come with USB 3.0 is that it will be faster.
But for computers that don't already have USB 3.0 they won't be much (if any) quicker. Current computers just can't handle USB any faster. New computers built to handle USB 3.0 will be faster, but existing ones will not.
External hard drives that have spinning platters (the ones that start to whirr when you turn them on) have a maximum speed they can read the data, and USB 3.0 can handle the data even faster than that. However, if you are using an external hard drive that is a solid state drive (SSD - there is another thread about them) or a little flash/thumb drive (which is essentially a mini-SSD) then you may see benefit from USB 3.0.
My own addendum: The primary purpose of USB 3.0 cards will be to allow people with older computers to use newer gear that may require USB 3.0. Think of the USB 3.0 cards as a type of adapter to let old computers still use new equipment. It won't be as fast as 3.0 can be, but at least it will work.