USB 3.0 extension cables, can they perform at 3.2 speeds?

decatron · 15 Sep 2021

Hi, I have a USB 3.2 PCI card installed, Inateck RedComets U21 PCIe to USB 3.2 Gen 2, I have a couple of drives that support those speeds.

The card has x3 USB A and x2 Type C ports.

I want to use USB extension cables from the PCI card to the drives as the desk is a little crowded.

So I was wondering if a USB 3.0 extension cable would reduce the speeds?

Or even if there is a USB 3.2 spec for cables?
I would imagine the cables have the same amount of physical contacts?

dalchina · 15 Sep 2021

Hi, must be Type C connectors and two-lane if USB3.2 Gen2x2.. but that's not the only USB3.2 option (see below)

USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, released in September 2017 is available only for USB-C connectors using two-lane operation, It offers SuperSpeed 20 Gbps

More on different versions of USB3.2:
Which USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Cables Should You Buy and Why

decatron · 15 Sep 2021

dalchina said:

Hi, must be Type C connectors and two-lane if USB3.2 Gen2x2.. but that's not the only USB3.2 option (see below)

More on different versions of USB3.2:
Which USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Cables Should You Buy and Why

Thanks dalchina

Checking that site, on closer inspection, it looks like the drives I have only go up to the 3.1 spec; so that would still be "up to" 5Gbps which is the same as 3.0.

So I should be able to use extension cables without affecting the max speeds.

But I'm glad I now know about the 3.2 specific cables

dalchina · 15 Sep 2021

Life surely doesn't get simpler... and just think of the waste as all the old cables and kit get ditched..

jonnied12 · 15 Sep 2021

decatron said:

Thanks dalchina

Checking that site, on closer inspection, it looks like the drives I have only go up to the 3.1 spec; so that would still be "up to" 5Gbps which is the same as 3.0.

So I should be able to use extension cables without affecting the max speeds.

But I'm glad I now know about the 3.2 specific cables

Here is an example of the difference in cables. I was having an issue with my new laptop computer's USB C port not supporting the rated speeds on my Samsung m2 1TB 850 EVO in a USB 3.1 Startech adapter. Speed tests were dismal at best.

After reading your first post, I decided to have a close look at my assorted USB C cables I have laying around that match the interface on the adaptor.

The cable I was using had no rating on the cable at all. I had several cables marked USB 3 on the cable from the manuf. Several cables were marked USB 3.1.

I ran a benchmark test using CrystalDiskMark8_0_4 with the unmarked cable. Very disappointing results.
Changed to the USB 3 cable and ran the test again. Better but not up to par.
Installed the 3.1 cable and ran the test again. Guess what, performance matched my internal 860 EVO 1TB drive.

Cables do make a difference!

dalchina · 15 Sep 2021

Indeed- I recall a similar discussion quite some time back..

Barman58 · 15 Sep 2021

If it were me I wouldn't bother with extension cables as you could probably get suitable longer cables of whatever connection you need for the same or less than the extension, and any extension adds another potential point of failure, and could also lower quality/speed of transmission

hdmi · 16 Sep 2021

decatron said:

only go up to the 3.1 spec; so that would still be "up to" 5Gbps which is the same as 3.0.

That depends. There's two different types of USB 3.1 so, if it is USB 3.1 Gen 1, then it is the same as USB 3.0, which is also the same as USB 3.2 Gen 1×1, giving you up to 5Gbps. If, however, it is USB 3.1 Gen 2, then it is the same as USB 3.2 Gen 2×1, giving you up to 10Gbps. As for the cables, both USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 can be USB-A, USB-C or microUSB so, if your device supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, then you'd want to use a cable that supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 (they are the same) and that, in addition to this, uses the correct connector types that match the Inateck card's port and that of the portable drive in question.

There also exist USB 3.0 extension cables that have a built-in booster circuit at one end, it can be used to overcome the problem of data signal corruption that can occur if the extension cable is too long. This circuit typically is bus-powered, though, so you'd need to take that also correctly into account when determining the total power output requirement of your USB port for what you're going to hook up, and, that's why I highly recommend using an externally powered USB hub the power adapter of which has enough power output capability. Just as an example, my 16-port USB 3.0 hub from a brand called RSHTECH uses a 100 watts power supply.

- - - Updated - - -

What’s the difference between USB 3.1 Gen 1, Gen 2 and USB 3.2? - Kingston Technology

decatron · 17 Sep 2021

Thank you all, lots of great information