Thunderbolt is a eccentric of hardware interface applied science that is used to plug into various equipment to a personal computer . You ’ve likely already seen Thunderbolt in the sort of its typical ports and cables — the late generations expend the USB - cytosine connective . That ’s the quick definition . But if you ’re here , you ’re probably looking for a more comprehensive account of what Thunderbolt is , and why itdiffers from USB - C.
In this guide , that ’s incisively what you ’ll get : We ’ll go over some of its current loop and how they compare , how Thunderbolt is dissimilar from USB - C , how to name Thunderbolt interface , and find out the late on whenThunderbolt 5will launching . Now rent ’s take a nigh face at Thunderbolt .
Thunderbolt 3 vs. Thunderbolt 4
Since Thunderbolt was introduced in 2011 , there have been a number of different versions of it . But these Clarence Day , if you ’re shopping for a gadget that features Thunderbolt ’s use of goods and services , you ’re probably looking at Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 .
Introduced in 2015 , Thunderbolt 3 features a USB - light speed connector , a soap carry-over speed of 40GB / s , and up to 15W of power for running accessories . It can also defend one 4 K presentation and is compatible with USB4 stipulation .
launch in 2020,Thunderbolt 4is the belated version of its connection technology that ’s currently available . bolt of lightning 4 still has the same goop transfer speed as Thunderbolt 3 : 40Gb / s , but it mandate that as the lower limit , whereas for Thunderbolt 3 , it ’s not enforced . Like Thunderbolt 3 , Thunderbolt 4 also has a USB - snow connecter and offers up to 15W power delivery for appurtenance . But that ’s where the similarities between the two pretty much end .
Unlike Thunderbolt 3 , Thunderbolt 4 can support two 4 K display and is stag as “ compliant ” for USB4 specification . Thunderbolt 4 also has reduplicate the PCIe SSD bandwidth speed ( 32 Gb / s ) of Thunderbolt 3 ( 16 Gb / s ) .
Is Thunderbolt the same as USB-C?
No . Though Thunderbolt has lately incorporated the use of USB - C connectors , they ’re still different connection technologies . So just because Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are design for exercise with USB - C connector , not all USB - ascorbic acid ports are designed to support Thunderbolt .
Do Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 accessories work with Thunderbolt 3?
They can , but not without help . thunderclap 3 ’s USB - C connection is n’t compatible with devices based on Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 without an expensive arranger .
How do I know if I have a Thunderbolt port?
There are two main ways to know : you may either see if there is a thunderbolt icon next to your machine ’s USB - C port or you may moderate your twist ’s tech specs online to see if it mentions Thunderbolt port in the product verbal description .
When will Thunderbolt 5 launch?
WhileIntel officially introduced Thunderbolt 5 in September 2023 , the accurate launch date for Thunderbolt 5 has not been foretell yet . Thunderbolt 5 - based Cartesian product are presently have a bun in the oven to start their freeing at some period in 2024 .
We ’ll update this subdivision once we know more .
