How To: Identify USB Ports
Having trouble identifying your USB ports? Here is a quick reference guide.
There are three main ways to identify a USB 3.0 port:
1. The color: Blue means USB 3.0. Not blue does not mean it is not USB 3.0 though. This standard is quickly disappearing as USB 3.0 becomes mainstream.
2. The # of pins: A USB 3.0 port has 9 total pins. 5 in the front and the normal 4 in the back. You can shine a light into the port and if you see the 5 gold pins near the opening and 4 gold pins that are more recessed, you've got a USB 3.0 port.
3. The symbol: SS stands for "Super Speed" and this also means you have a USB 3.0 port.
You may also come across a USB port with a lightning bolt or battery next to it. This means it is a high-power port and it will charge almost any device including smartphones and tablets. Most computers with this port will be able to charge a device using this port even while the computer is off!