Possibly upgrading to USB 3.0

[Solidify]

I'm interested in upgrading my computer to the new USB 3.0 standard because of the new improved transfer rate but I have a couple of questions before I go out and buy things.

Firstly, I found two ways of doing this.

How will I get USB 3.0 ports on my computer?

There are many different ways. The mainstream way is through buying a new computer after USB 3.0 has become more widespread. A new computer will come with USB 3.0 ports on the motherboard, but this won't be until probably the second half of 2010.

If you don't want to buy a new computer, you can upgrade an existing computer one of two ways. The more costly way is to upgrade your motherboard to one with 3.0 ports on it, but this can potentially mean buying a new CPU, RAM, etc. Some motherboards are already available with USB 3.0 ports on them. One such board is the Asus line of P7P55D-E, which costs around $220. Gigabyte also has a few motherboards out (P55A series) with 3.0 spec included in a similar price range.

The easier and less costly way to upgrade is by buying a PCI Express card that will have 2 to 4 USB 3.0 ports on the back of it. These will cost less at around $30-60 once they go on sale.

Windows 7 does not include any USB 3.0 drivers as of yet, but Microsoft has said they will be included in a future update. No word yet on availability of drivers for Windows XP or Vista.

[...]

1. How do I decide whether my computer is worth upgrading or simply too behind in technology and I'm better off buying a new USB 3.0 compatible computer?
2. If I do decide to upgrade, what are the pro's and con's of doing it by changing the entire motherboard as opposed to just the PCI card, apart from costing less?
3. Like the article said, Windows 7 doesn't have any drivers yet. I'm assuming they do now since the article is fairly old but where on Microsoft's website would I find the answer to that (because I use Windows 7 OS)?

And one last thing. If I understood correctly from everything I've browsed, replacing the motherboard makes all of your computer's USB ports USB 3.0 compatible whereas just changing the PCI card only gives you X number of 3.0 compatible USB slots, right?

Any other things I'd need to consider before doing this?

 

[Inxy]

Well if you want USB 3.0 your gonna need a new motherboard in which you will need a new CPU

 

[Solidify]

Well if you want USB 3.0 your gonna need a new motherboard in which you will need a new CPU

Not unless I buy a new PCI Express card.

 

[Chewbaka]

I am just curious. How come you want to upgrade to USB 3.0? I know you said it is faster transferring, but how necessary is it for you?

 

[Inxy]

USB 3.0 it not really worth it. Alot of hardware use USB2.0. There not much speed differnets.

 

[Solidify]

I am just curious. How come you want to upgrade to USB 3.0? I know you said it is faster transferring, but how necessary is it for you?

I pirate a lot of media so everytime I need to transfer it to my external HD it's a long wait.

 

[Inxy]

Does your Hard drive support USB 3.0?
How much Watts you got on your PSU?

 

[Solidify]

Does your Hard drive support USB 3.0?
How much Watts you got on your PSU?

No and I'm not sure. But I'm planning on getting a new HD that does.

 

[Inxy]

And how much Watts you got on you power supply?

 

[Solidify]

And how much Watts you got on you power supply?

Again, I'm not sure.