What is new a about USB 3.0 then?

[JonnyBoy12]

I do not need to buy a new computer, but I have noticed a difference in new computers which are sold now. They now have USB 3.0 sockets instead of the old 2.0 version. They claim this to be 10 times faster than the old kind, but are the sockets (if that is the right word) the same size, and could you use old USB flash drives in them?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[ChuckFickens]

The ports are slightly different and have extra contacts in them but if a USB2 (or1) device is plugged into a USB3 port the extra contacts don't connect to anything and the port will run in USB2 mode.

(so yes you can use old stuff with them)

[beso]

Note that some motherboards cannot support the full potential of the USB3 standard even if they have the port. Anyone expecting to take advantage of the higher speed should make sure to do their homework before the purchase.

[AlBags]

You can buy a USB 3 card even for a PCI slot.
Quite a bit faster .. this standard will be good for external storage.
Personally, I would use E-Sata for this though.

[weeny]

You can use the usb 3.0 front panel http://www.espow.com/...ith-express-card.html by using your old computer. This USB 3.0 Front Panel Kit can be installed into a free 3.5 bay of your computer and can be connected internally by using the included PCI Express card. Installing PCI Express cards is easy, simply unscrew and remove your computer's main body case cover. On your PC's motherboard near the rear of the computer you'll see some slots. Then you just plug it in there and take a screw driver to secure it to the back. It expands your system by two USB 3.0 ports which are also downwards compatible to USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. You can connect different USB devices like Docking Station, Card Reader, external enclosure etc.