Not that USB 3.0 will be useful anytime soon—how long did it take manufacturers to finally get behind USB 2.0?—but Asus’ U3S6 should be, provided it’s not cancelled, the world’s first USB 3.0 + SATA 6.0 PCI-E card. Better news: it’s only $30.
The card comes with two USB 3.0 ports and two SATA 6.0 ports. And if I’m doing my maths right, so long as you have a free PCI-E slot you’re good to go.
Like I said in the beginning, the card will mean little in the immediate future, given the lack of USB 3.0 products. That’s not to say I wouldn’t mind being able to sync my Zune HD using the zippy awesomeness of USB 3.0, but it’s going to be a little while before we see that. Never mind that that scenario would never happen, considering the Zune HD’s insides don’t know a darn thing about USB 3.0, but you know what I mean: a future media player that works with USB 3.0 would certainly be handy, especially as we move toward moving higher and higher resolution video to and from our various components.
It should be out “soon.” Nice and vague, yes.
What about all the other USB devices we use?
The new USB 3.0 standards will have more electric power available for devices.
How long will we have will we need to wait for web & security camera with improved resolution arrive on market , or will it take a great deal of time for these manufactures to understand the consumer/profit benefits?
A graphic tablet certainly should see increased function and interaction with the artist something that has limited their use and created expensive pricing…
Printers, maybe we can get rid of the delays in canceling a print job, USB 3 should make it easy for manufactures to increase the on-board memory for these devices, and the graphic resolution. Large plotters and vinyl cutter will undoubtly improve with the USB 3.0 communication speeds.
I can envision many reasons for wanting the USB 3.0 on all computers today…
With a USB 3.0 card desktops can be easily upgraded, but it is sad to believe there may be a lot of Laptop/Netbook/Notebook systems sold this holiday without USB 3.0 connectors. When the devices appear in the market place, will make a good many new computers less valuable?
This did not need to happen, but it appears the this is the facts for Laptop/Netbook/Notebook in 2009…
JR
I think this card is a great idea. Not sure if it needs to run on PCIe 2.0 x16 or x8 mode? I also cant see from the pic where the 2 sata ports are.
Considering how much more the Asus Premium mobo costs vs the P7P55D Deluxe model, this is a very very good alternative. However, I havent seen this card on Asus’ site as far as details go.
Reagarding the 2 Sata ports yes you can see them in the picture (if you understand or know what you’re looking at). The Sata connectors are on the back of the card, i.e. internally, in the upper back corner for internal cabling connection (duh!).
I still have not seen this on Fry’s Electronics, Newegg, or Tiger Direct websites for consumer to purchase.
Newegg.com currently has USB 3.0 cables listed, but no USB 3.0 external hard drive adapters, nor desktop cards.
JR
it makes no difference if a computer company like ASUS comes out with an innovative product. if they can’t support it after it’s left their warehouse then what’s the point? ASUS has been long known to have terrible customer support. one of the worst in the industry. http://www.ephman.com/article/official-asus-notebook-computer-review
ephman, thanks for the reminder. how easily one forgetsot how pathetic Asus’ customer support is…there website is usually very slow and sluggish too. it’s extremely difficult to get an RMA for their products too. Dell’s customer service isnt much better. the last time I assembled my own pc was in the good old days when Abit was around. Abit had fantastic customer support. I guess we’ll have to see what Gigabyte has to offer next year.
Regarding the question about the 16x or 8x…neither. It is a 4x card. That means you can use it in any slot at its designed speed. That also means you can’t use your 1x slot (like what NIC and sound cards use now) unfortunately. (that is the really small slot for those who are new to this stuff). Some motherboards have dedicated 4x slots, but those are rare as a full 8x or 16x slot accomplishes the same thing.
To the comment about customer support…Gigabyte warranty starts with the manufacture date, not the purchase date…meaning the card that has been in storage a year may not even get replaced. ASUS warranty is not bad…I don’t know why some people have such huge issues. I drove over my laptop and they sent me a new one (literally). I have had amazing and outstanding customer service with ASUS. The only catch is paying for shipping.
http://www.pckoloji.com/dosya-konulari/12406-ilk-usb-3-0-harici-sabit-diskle-teknoloji-testi.html#post73505
Asus U3S6 card review at link. Vantec’s USB 3.0 external hdd box has been used for usb 3.0 test.
The thing with any rating is that if you have had a good experience with them, then you’re bound to recommend them. If you have had a bad experience and know of others who have had the same, then it’s pretty obvious what your perception is going to be. As far as replacing a laptop that’s been driven over and then getting it replaced under warranty? That’s a remarkable if not unbelievable story.
I wonder if Asus has the same issue as with Gigabyte that you can’t run crossfire if you want to run in SATA 6 or USB 3 mode.