Can someone explain usb specs for me? totally confused.

[boing]

I'm having a look at this board amongst others and wanted to compare usb connections but they're baffling to me.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X399-SLI-PLUS/Specification

The text below is what's listed, I understand the difference between gen1/gen2 and connector types but is this saying 3 x usb 3.1 and 12 x usb 3.0? because Anandtechs own review says 3 usb 3.1 and 4 usb 3.0.

https://www.anandtech.com/show/11685/amd-threadripper-x399-motherboards/10

Could someone clarify for me please?

• ASMedia® ASM3142 Chipset
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port on the back panel
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port on the back panel

• AMD® X399 Chipset
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port through the internal USB connector
- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available through the internal USB connectors
- 6 x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB connectors)

AMD® CPU
- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the back panel

 

[Mr Evil]

That must be a mistake in Anandtech's review. It's clear from the photos that there are 8 USB 3.0* ports on the rear panel alone.

* For the benefit of anyone reading this that doesn't know, USB 3.1 Gen 1 is exactly the same as USB 3.0, just renamed to try and confuse customers into thinking it's the same as the faster USB 3.1 Gen 2.

 

[boing]

OK thanks, I thought I was just being a tool....

 

[Topweasel]

The quick eye test is if properly or semi properly color coded.

Black is USB 2
Blue is USB 3.0
Red is USB 3.1 Gen 1
Type C is USB 3.1 Gen 2

For front face connectors

The two IDE looking connectors under SATA connectors are USB3
The One dongle insert looking connector next to the reset switch is the 3.1 Gen 2 connector
The two 9 pin connectors next to the USB 3.1 Gen 2, that looks like an audio header is USB 2

 

[boing]

Great, many thanks.