Determine the version of USB ports on your computer If your USB port name contains "Universal Host", your port is version 1.1. If the port name contains both "Universal Host" and "Enhanced Host", your port is version 2.0. If the port name contains "USB 3.0", your port is version 3.0. . . . Read more

USB 2.0 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. Almost all devices with USB capabilities, and nearly all USB cables, support at least USB 2.0. Devices that adhere to the USB 2.0 standard have the ability to transmit data at a maximum speed of 480 Mbps. … USB 2.0 is . . . Read more

USB 3.0 provides better speed and more efficient power management than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices; however, data transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0 levels when these devices inter-operate.

Using 2.0 (with it’s lower bandwidth) allows more devices to be used (which may not necessarily need the high bandwidth USB 3.0 provides; e.g. most user input devices) while maintaining open PCI-E lanes for other peripherals.

Those who aren’t on board with USB 3.0 will probably want to get on board quickly. … A USB 3.0 port runs at a whopping 5Gbps, making it ten times faster than the USB 2.0 that most of us already know and love. Even better, USB 3.0 hubs allow their . . . Read more

Compared with ordinary older UBS ports, USB 3.0 ports usually have a bit of blue around or within the jack itself. Some laptop makers will also label the faster port with a “3.0” or sometimes “SS,” which stands for SuperSpeed USB.

Much like USB 2.0, the USB 3.0 port is powered, meaning that you can connect some external components and power them without having to also connect them to an external power adapter. Unlike USB 2.0, however, USB 3.0 delivers greater power.

USB 3.0 also provides more efficient power management and increased power delivery over USB 2.0. The amount of current draw for USB 3.0 devices operating in SuperSpeed mode is now 900 mA, resulting in an increase in total power delivery from 2.5 W to 4.5 W (at 5 V).

Powered USB hubs are devices that generate their own power from an electric socket. That means the number of devices you attach does not rely on your laptop’s battery power. Meanwhile, non-powered USB hubs generate power from your laptop’s USB port.

Powered USB hubs provide their own power supply for devices. Typically, when you connect a device to your computer via USB, the device draws upon your computer’s power to function. Powered USB hubs come with their own power source and provide power for your connected devices so your computer doesn’t . . . Read more