ASUS implements USB 3.1 functionality on motherboards and new add-in cards
ASUS has implemented USB 3.1 functionality across a wide range of motherboards. Some come with built-in support while others require new USB 3.1 add-in cards; read on to uncover the details.
By Wong Chung Wee -
ASUS Z97-Deluxe/USB 3.1
ASUS Z97-A/USB 3.1
ASUS has implemented USB 3.1 functionality across a wide range of motherboards. Some come with built-in support while others require new USB 3.1 add-in cards. Locally, there are two Intel 9 series boards that feature onboard USB 3.1 Type-A ports. They are the Z97-A/USB 3.1 and the Z97-Deluxe/USB 3.1. A Type-A USB 3.1 port is backward compatible with USB 3.0 standard and below (to USB 1.1 standard); while the reversible Type-C USB 3.1 port features a new 24-pin double-sided connector. Both boards will be available here on 15 March, and they come with a limited 3-year warranty. The Z97-A/USB 3.1 is priced at S$309 and the Z97-Deluxe/USB 3.1, S$519. To understand the nomenclature of ASUS boards with USB 3.1 support, the “/USB 3.1” affix will mean the board has a pair of onboard USB 3.1 ports.
ASUS Type-A USB 3.1 card
ASUS Type-C USB 3.1 card
The other boards with USB 3.1 functionality, sans onboard USB 3.1 ports, will have the “/U3.1” affix appended to their product names. However, these boards will be bundled with a dual-port ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A add-in card. There's also the single port USB 3.1 Type-C card. Both cards have a PCIe x4 interface and they are compatible with any PCIe x4, x8 or x16 expansion slot. Please note both ASUS USB 3.1 add-in cards aren’t available locally though they are advertised as individual components available for purchase.
Last of all, there are boards that are capable of support USB 3.1 functionality; however, they feature neither onboard USB 3.1 ports nor come bundled with USB 3.1 add-in cards. After making sure their updated BIOS support the new standard, the only way to join the USB 3.1 bandwagon is to score an add-in card. Have a look at the full ASUS product listing to ascertain their exact nature of USB 3.1 compatibility.
- Intel X99
X99-Pro/USB 3.1
X99-E WS/USB 3.1
X99-A/USB 3.1 (Transfer Express)
X99-A/USB 3.1
X99-Deluxe/U3.1
Rampage V Extreme/U3.1
X99-WS/IPMI
- Intel Z97
Z97-A/USB 3.1
Z97-E/USB 3.1
Z97-K/USB 3.1
Z97-Deluxe/USB 3.1
Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1/USB 3.1
Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2/USB 3.1
Z97-K R2.0
Z97-K
Z97-P
Z97M-Plus
Z97-E
Z97-C
Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1
Sabertooth Z97 Mark S
Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2
Gryphon Z97
Gryphon Z97(Armor Edition)
Maximus VII Formula/Watch Dogs
Maximus VII Formula
Maximus VII Hero
Maximus VII Hero/ACU
Maximus VII Gene
Maximus VII Ranger
Maximus VII Impact
Z97-PRO Gamer
Z97-WS
- Intel B85
B85M-G Plus/USB 3.1
B85-Plus/USB 3.1
The USB 3.1 standard has a 10Gbps transfer speed that is double that of USB 3.0. In order to enhance transfer speeds, ASUS has introduced its USB 3.1 Boost software utility for all its USB 3.1 solutions. It is purported to boost sequential read/write speeds for USB 3.1 storage devices. After a nearly two-year lull since the announcement of the USB 3.1 standard, we still need to have patience as we await the availability of such devices.
(Source: ASUS)
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