We’ve seen the first step in USB 3.0 which is the USB host controller.  This gives motherboards the opportunity for USB 3.0 devices to connect.  Now we are starting to see other system support peripherals such as the USB 3.0 hub.

VIA announced their USB 3.0 four port hub this week just days before CES 2010.  We fully expect others to make a similar announcement during the CES show, but VIA, thus far, has beat everyone to the punch.

The USB 3.0 hub supports 4 downstream ports and one upstream port.  The board is powered via AC and VIA claims to have improved the power management in the USB 3.0 hubs to allow attached devices to enter into a lower power state when not being used. The chip itself is based on advanced 80nm CMOS technology which makes it a more power efficient USB hub controller.

VIA did indicate the USB 3.0 hub is not only backward compatible, but also supports the full 5Gb/s transfer rate USB 3.0 calls for.  No word on price, but I’m forecasting a 50% increase in price over traditional USB hubs.

VIA press release.