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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

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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.

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So the speeds work in tiers? – Faken Oct 27 '10 at 3:46
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-1 This answer is incorrect. USB3.0 standard does not define fixed cable length. Cable for USB3.0 can be of any length as long as it can sustain SuperSpeed. First cables were around 3 meters. Already there are 5 m cables available which can work at SuperSpeed. In future, longer cables may be constructed. – AndrejaKo Oct 27 '10 at 8:54
@AndrejaKo I never said anything about the standard. Although maximum cable length is not specified in the USB 3.0 standard, the electrical properties of the cable and signal quality limitations may limit the practical length to around 3 metres when multi-gigabit transfer rates are desired. everythingusb.com/superspeed-usb.html – John T Oct 27 '10 at 12:53
"USB 3.0 boasts 4.8 Gbits/s as long as your cable is within the (approximate) 3 meter threshold." to me looks different than your comment. – AndrejaKo Oct 27 '10 at 15:14
@And, 4.8G/s is the max theoretical speed of USB 3.0 which has been tested with a cable 3 meters or less in length. As the article states, signal quality will degrade at greater lengths unless special devices are used. My point stands, I don't know how else to convey this simple concept to you. No - it is not written in blood in the standard -- however, theoretically, the cable itself has limitations. All I am trying to say. You are not "guaranteed" the 4.8G/s speed with longer cables. – John T Oct 27 '10 at 22:11

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