USB 3.0 Speed Questions

[ky54]

I just built a new general use computer that I'll be doing a lot of transfers off it to flash drives. USB 3.0 is enabled on the mobo, the drivers are installed, and I bought new USB 3.0 cables and flash drives. I have the following questions:

1. What speeds should I be seeing? I have a video file that's around 1 GB that I've been using to measure speeds. On USB 1.0 around 9 MB. USB 2.0 about 20 MB. USB 3.0 24MB. Doesn't matter if I use a cable or plug directly into the SATA III outlet off the back of the mobo the speeds are the same. Are these speeds typical? I thought I'd see a big jump in speeds from USB 2.0 and 3.0.

2. I've measured transferring off my SATA III drive and my WD Green storage drive and the speeds are the same... is that normal?

 

[mtnd3vil]

I'm seeing 70+ MB/s from my WD 2.5in external HDD. I presume this is just about the max for the HDD itself.

 

[Charles Kozierok]

I'm seeing 70+ MB/s from my WD 2.5in external HDD. I presume this is just about the max for the HDD itself.

I think I get about this, maybe a little less.

24 MB/s seems low.

 

[ky54]

I think it's slow. I've done everything that I can think of (enabling mobo, installing drivers, etc) and I was underwhelmed when I saw the speeds. The computer isn't the fastest thing made but it's not that bad - 2nd generation i3-2100 which is faster than some first gen i7's, 16GB RAM, a capable ASRock H77 mobo... it should be able to max out a simple transfer.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4523/usb-30-flash-drive-roundup

 

[VirtualLarry]

that's about right for write speeds for USB3.0-enabled flash drives. They are faster than USB2.0, mostly in read speeds, but not so much in write speeds.

As far as a HD in an external enclosure, you should be seeing read and write speeds equal to the drive's hardware.

 

[ky54]

Is there any software that can monitor transfers and diagnose where the problem is? 24 MB is not anywhere near where I thought I'd be after changing everything over to USB 3.0.

 

[mtnd3vil]

I just use the "details" drop down on the Win7 file transfer window. Beyond that, Win7 resource monitor.

 

[ky54]

Apparently I am slightly (?) mentally deficient. I thought all flash drives write at the same speed. After careful deliberation (and actually reading and comprehending what all the little numbers mean) I realize that drives write at different speeds. Who knew you could learn things by reading? The ones I bought write at, duh, 25 MB so they are functionally quite well. I also ordered a 32 GB flash that writes at 40 for a tick under $40 which I think will be more to my liking.

Sorry for the interuption. Please continue on with your lives. I'll be in the corner licking my, er, with my dunce hat on.

 

[cl-scott]

You also need to factor into your calculations the size of the files you are copying. If you try and copy say 100x1MB files it will be a lot slower than 1x100MB file because of all the additional overhead required to open/close each file. I know you said you were using a 1GB file for testing, but going forward, and for others who may happen across this thread.

 

[ky54]

That's a very good point. That was something else I found out in the magical realm of "reading".