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Article Number: 000136468

What are the features and differences between Universal Serial Bus (USB) version 3.1, USB Type-C, and the new USB symbols on my system?

Summary: This article provides information regarding the features and differences between Universal Serial Bus (USB) version 3.1, Type-C, and the new USB symbols on your Dell system.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Symptoms

USB 3.1

USB 3.1 is a new version of the USB specification that increases transfer rates and data encoding.

USB 3.1 summary:

  • It is faster than USB 3.0 featuring up to 10 gigabytes per second (GBps) transfer rates.
  • It has better data encoding for higher performance.
  • It is backwards compatible with older USB hardware and software including USB 3.0 and 2.0.
USB 3.1 is independent from USB Type-C. There are USB 3.1 cables that use the USB Type-A connector.

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Cause

USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a new type of USB cable / port that promotes usability and performance.

USB Type-C summary:

  • It is a reversible connector type that can be connected in any position.
  • It can charge your device and use your peripherals at the same time.
  • It can be used for multiple data types (e.g. USB 3.1, DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt) at the same time.
  • It is backwards compatible with many other cables and ports when used with the necessary adapter.
Note: USB Type-C is independent from USB 3.1. There are some USB Type-C ports that use the USB 2.0 version.
Note: USB Type-C is going to replace most USB ports on new systems. Your USB devices may not appear to connect to your new system. Since USB Type-C is backwards compatible, all you need is the necessary adapter to connect your USB devices to your new system.

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Resolution

USB Symbols

There are three USB symbols you may not be aware of. These icons are located on your system next to their respective USB ports. All of these are backwards compatible with previous USB versions, however speeds will vary depending on the devices connected to the ports.

This is the standard USB 3.1 symbol.

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This is the USB 3.1 with PowerShare symbol. This USB port can charge devices, even while the system is turned off, once the proper BIOS settings have been changed. You can learn more about the features and requirements by reading USB PowerShare Feature.

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This is the USB 3.1 with Power On symbol. This USB port allows devices, typically keyboards, to turn your system on and off if the device has the necessary capabilities.

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Article Properties

Affected Product

Storage, Drives & Media

Last Published Date

25 Feb 2021

Version

5

Article Type

Solution

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