Quick USB question

[chimpy]

I am looking on eBay at a 3m and 5m USB extension cable (USB A male to USB A female). The cost difference is very small, so I was wondering if there's any point in getting the 3m over the 5m. I mean, will the 3m provide more reliable, or faster transfers, as it is shorter?

 

[corkyg]

The quick answer is, you will notice no difference. If there is one, it can only be detected by laboratory instruments. You can get them even shorter - I have some 8-inchers. But that is to reduce cable clutter - not improve performance. It can never get better than the design 480 transfer rate.

 

[chimpy]

Okay thanks. I had heard about USB repeat boosters or something being needed over longer distances, guess they're only needed for longer distances than I'm talking about. I'll just go for the 5m, thanks again

 

[Aluvus]

USB supports up to 5 m cables; anything longer is supposed to have a repeater. It's just to ensure the timing lines up properly.

Shorter cables take up less space, that's really all.