The theoretical burst transfer rate of USB 3.1 Gen 1 is 5 gigabits per second (Gbps). What is the difference between USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2? Check the computer documentation for details. What is the performance difference between USB-C interfaces?Ī USB-C port on a computer can be USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1, or 3.1 Gen 2. In other words, to benefit from all the attributes of Thunderbolt 3, you must have a Thunderbolt 3-compliant port, cable, and device. In certain cases, a USB-C device is also supported with a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, which if supported is included in the product packaging. A USB 3.1 Gen 1 storage device can use either a Thunderbolt 3 cable or a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Gen 1 cable. A USB 3.1 Gen 2 storage device requires a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable (as well as port), or a Thunderbolt 3 cable and port. USB 3.1 Gen 1 cables - support USB 3.1 Gen 1 storage devices.Ī Thunderbolt 3 storage device requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable (as well as port). USB 3.1 Gen 2 cables - support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 storage devices. Thunderbolt 3 cables - support Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and USB 3.1 Gen 1 storage devices. The answer is similar to the above answer. A USB-C device can function properly on a Thunderbolt 3 computer port or on a USB-C computer port.Įxplained differently, a Thunderbolt 3 computer port can support either a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C device.Ī USB-C computer port can only support USB-C devices, not Thunderbolt 3 devices.Īre USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 cables interchangeable? A Thunderbolt 3 device can only function properly when it is connected to a Thunderbolt 3 computer port. The only way to distinguish between them easily is to check for an icon printed near the computer’s port. Please find below answers to common questions regarding the USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.Īre USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 storage devices interchangeable?Ī USB-C port on a computer is shaped and looks exactly like a Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer. This article provides information about USB-C interface technology.

Usb c vs usb 3