cablespeedthroughputusb-3
Recently I've been thinking of upgrading my computer with some USB 3.0 ports. However, the problem is my computer is some ways away from my desk so that would mean I would need a long cable, approximately 10ft or so.
My question is how badly does a long cable (10ft for example) impact the transfer rates of USB 3.0? At what point will the USB controller revert back to say, high speed mode as opposed to super speed mode? What have you guys experienced?
Thanks
USB 3.0 is electrically different from USB 2.0 - it has extra connectors/wires designed in such a way as to gracefully plugged into a USB 2.0 connector - they're located on the 'tongue' where there's nothing on a USB 2.0 connector
As such connecting a USB 3.0 port to a USB 2.0 extension to a USB 3.0 cable will result in usb 2.0 speed, since the extra connectors will not be connected to anything in the USB 2.0 extension cord on either end.
This is likely impossible, or very device-specific. If it's at all possible, it would depend on how the 2.0/3.0 compatibility is handled by the system. I expect that low-level hardware and protocol detection, as well as management of transmission frequencies, is handled in the hardware/firmware - not the OS. If that's the case, then it would be entirely up to the hardware vendor to provide support for forcing a "legacy mode" in the drivers. I strongly doubt this is commonly - if at all - done.
You should consult your hardware manufacturer's documentation for more information on this.
Best Answer
USB 3.0 boasts 4.8 Gbits/s as long as your cable is within the (approximate) 3 meter threshold. Anything longer and the full speed is not guaranteed. The length limitation is a small step down from USB 2.0's 5 meters.
For greater distances there are USB hubs or special signal extender cable. (Section: What improvements are made to USB 3.0 cables & hubs?)