Which is Faster: USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3?
When it comes to speed, two of the fastest standards for external peripherals have been dominating the market: USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of high-speed connectivity and examine the crucial differences between two leading contenders: USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3.
Technical Specifications
There’s no denying that both USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 are high-speed connectivity standards that have been pushing the boundaries of speed and bandwidth. USB 3.2 boasts an impressive 5 Gbps data transfer rate, while Thunderbolt 3 tackles a blistering 40 Gbps data transfer rate. However, when it comes to raw speed, Thunderbolt 3 surpasses USB 3.2 in terms of raw speed, with a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps.
What Is USB 3.2?
USB 3.2 is the latest iteration of USB connectivity, offering faster speeds and higher bandwidth. The USB 3.2 standard, released in 2013, set a new bar for high-performance computing. This led to the development of Thunderbolt 3, which boasts a remarkable 40 Gbps data transfer rate.
Raw Speed And Real-World Applications
USB 3.2 has been the go-to option for high-speed connectivity, especially in the realm of gaming and virtual reality. Both USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 boast exceptional raw speed and impressive real-world applications.
Speed And Power Consumption
What Is USB 3.2?
Advantages And Disadvantages Of USB 3.2
Technical Advantages Of USB 3.2
The primary advantage of USB 3.2 is its ability to transfer data at an incredible 20 Gbps rate. Additionally, it supports a 1.21 Gbps data transfer rate, and it’s backed by the USB 3.2 standard.
What Are USB 3.2 And Thunderbolt 3?
USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 are both high-speed interfaces used to connect devices to a computer. USB 3.2 is a standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), while Thunderbolt 3 is a proprietary technology developed by Intel. Both interfaces offer fast data transfer rates, but they have some key differences.
USB 3.2 is a more widely adopted standard, and devices with USB 3.2 ports are commonly available. Thunderbolt 3, on the other hand, is less common, but it offers some unique features, such as the ability to connect two 4K displays or one 5K display, and support for Power Delivery (PD) up to 100W.
What Are The Key Differences Between USB 3.2 And Thunderbolt 3?
One of the main differences between USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 is their data transfer speeds. USB 3.2 has a maximum speed of 20 Gbps, while Thunderbolt 3 can reach speeds of up to 40 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 also has the ability to daisy-chain devices, while USB 3.2 does not.
Another key difference is that Thunderbolt 3 uses the same physical connector as USB-C, but it is not compatible with all USB-C devices. This can make it confusing for consumers, as they may not know whether a device is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 or not. In contrast, USB 3.2 is a more widely adopted standard, and devices with USB 3.2 ports are easily identifiable.
What Are The Advantages Of USB 3.2?
One of the main advantages of USB 3.2 is its widespread adoption. Most computers and devices have USB-A ports, and USB-C ports are becoming increasingly common. This makes it easy to find devices that are compatible with USB 3.2. Additionally, USB 3.2 is a more affordable technology than Thunderbolt 3, which makes it more accessible to consumers.
Another advantage of USB 3.2 is its backward compatibility. Devices with USB 3.2 ports are compatible with older USB standards, such as USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. This makes it easy to use older devices with newer computers.
What Are The Advantages Of Thunderbolt 3?
One of the main advantages of Thunderbolt 3 is its high-speed data transfer rate. With speeds of up to 40 Gbps, Thunderbolt 3 is much faster than USB 3.2. This makes it ideal for applications that require high-speed data transfer, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
Another advantage of Thunderbolt 3 is its ability to support multiple devices on a single port. This makes it easy to connect multiple devices, such as hard drives and monitors, to a single port on a computer. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 supports Power Delivery (PD) up to 100W, which makes it possible to charge larger devices, such as laptops.
Which Interface Is More Widely Supported?
USB 3.2 is more widely supported than Thunderbolt 3. Most computers and devices have USB-A or USB-C ports, and devices with USB 3.2 ports are easily available. In contrast, Thunderbolt 3 is less common, and devices with Thunderbolt 3 ports are typically more expensive.
However, Thunderbolt 3 is becoming more widely adopted, especially in high-end computers and devices. Many newer laptops and computers have Thunderbolt 3 ports, and more devices are being developed with Thunderbolt 3 capabilities.
Can I Use A Thunderbolt 3 Device With A USB 3.2 Port?
No, you cannot use a Thunderbolt 3 device with a USB 3.2 port. While both interfaces use the same physical connector, they are not compatible with each other. Thunderbolt 3 devices require a Thunderbolt 3 port to function properly, and using them with a USB 3.2 port will not work.
However, some devices may come with adapters or converters that allow them to work with USB 3.2 ports. These adapters typically reduce the data transfer speed to the maximum supported by USB 3.2, which is 20 Gbps.
Which Interface Is More Future-proof?
Thunderbolt 3 is more future-proof than USB 3.2. With its high-speed data transfer rate and ability to support multiple devices on a single port, Thunderbolt 3 is well-positioned to support emerging technologies, such as 5G and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 is designed to be scalable, with future versions expected to support even faster data transfer rates. In contrast, USB 3.2 is already at its maximum speed, and future versions may not offer significant performance improvements.