Recently AMD launched their new 8-series chipset which featured USB 3.0 connectivity, thanks to an on-board bridge chip. Now, courtesy of Sunbeamtech, we can test it out and see where it makes a difference when used with a traditional rotational drive, and a solid state drive.

SunBeamTech USB 3.0 AirBox

Product Highlights

• MSRP $55.99USD

• USB 3.0

• up to 5Gbps

• 3.5" SATA external enclosure

• 80mm 1600RPM Active Fan

• Switchable Blue LED illumination

• Aluminum Chassis with access indicator

• Fan Indicator Light

In this USB 3.0 investigation, we'll compare benchmark results of a Seagate 7200.12 1TB drive and an Intel X25-E 32GB solid state drive against other common external connectors - USB 2.0, and eSATA, in both 2.0 and 3.0 speeds.  Is USB 3.0 really worth considering?  Read on to find out!