Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5: Key Differences

Trying to understand the differences with Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5? Well, Thunderbolt technology has revolutionized data transfer, display connectivity, and power delivery in computing devices. This article delves into the distinctions between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you grasp the advancements and their implications.

Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5: A Comparative Overview

The following chart highlights the primary differences between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5:

Detailed Differences Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5

1. Maximum Bandwidth

• Thunderbolt 4: Offers a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Gbps, suitable for most peripherals and displays available at its time.
• Thunderbolt 5: Significantly enhances bandwidth capabilities, providing up to 80 Gbps in standard mode. With the Bandwidth Boost feature, it can achieve up to 120 Gbps, facilitating faster data transfers and supporting more demanding applications.

2. Video Support

• Thunderbolt 4: Supports a maximum of one 8K display at 60Hz or two 4K displays at 60Hz, catering to standard display setups.
• Thunderbolt 5: Expands video capabilities, allowing multiple 8K displays or up to three 4K displays at 144Hz. It also supports a single display at up to 540Hz, benefiting high-refresh-rate monitors for gaming and professional applications.

3. PCIe Throughput

• Thunderbolt 4: Provides 32 Gbps of PCIe 3.0 throughput, adequate for connecting SSDs and other peripherals.
• Thunderbolt 5: Doubling the PCIe throughput to 64 Gbps with PCIe 4.0 support, it enhances performance for storage devices and external GPUs, catering to more demanding workloads.

4. Power Delivery

• Thunderbolt 4: Offers up to 100W of power delivery, with a mandatory 15W for accessory charging, suitable for powering laptops and other devices.
• Thunderbolt 5: Increases power delivery capabilities, supporting up to 240W, with a mandatory 140W. This enhancement allows for charging more power-hungry devices, including high-performance laptops and monitors, through a single cable.

Adoption and Compatibility

Thunderbolt 5 was officially announced by Intel in September 2023, with hardware incorporating this standard expected to be available starting in 2024. Major manufacturers, including Apple, have begun adopting Thunderbolt 5 in their latest products. For instance, Apple’s redesigned Mac Mini, introduced in October 2024, features Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering users enhanced connectivity options.

It’s important to note that Thunderbolt 5 maintains backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 and earlier versions. However, to fully utilize Thunderbolt 5’s advanced features, both the host device and peripherals must support the Thunderbolt 5 standard.

Conclusion

In the “Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5” comparison, Thunderbolt 5 emerges as a significant advancement, offering higher bandwidth, enhanced video support, increased PCIe throughput, and greater power delivery capabilities. These improvements cater to the evolving needs of content creators, gamers, and professionals requiring high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options. As more devices adopt Thunderbolt 5, users can expect a substantial boost in performance and functionality, future-proofing their connectivity requirements.

Looking for a system with Thunderbolt 5 compatibility? You can contact us at (804) 419-0900 or visit us on our website and we’ll put together a PC with all of the ports you need, including the newest Thunderbolt 5.

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This content was written by the expert Velocity Micro staff.