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Thunderbolt 5 is complete and slightly better than USB4 V2.0

13.9.2023

Translation: machine translated

Intel has unveiled Thunderbolt 5. The latest version of the port with USB-C connector will be available from 2024. The speed: up to 80 gigabits per second with a bidirectional connection. Up to 120 gigabits per second are possible for display transmissions.

Since the third version was released in 2015, the Thunderbolt connection has had a maximum gross speed of 40 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). This is now changing with Thunderbolt 5, which enables data transfers of up to 80 Gbit/s. This brings Thunderbolt into line with USB4 V2.0, whose technology and the USB-C connection are the same. However, the difference is that with USB, optional features are mandatory with Thunderbolt: With USB4 V2.0, the 80 Gbit/s is not mandatory, only 20 Gbit/s. With the fifth Thunderbolt version, Intel stipulates 80 Gbit/s as the minimum value. As well as a mandatory 140 watts for the power supply. Up to 240 watts are even possible as an option.

In addition to the bidirectional data connection, an asymmetrical connection is also possible for high-bandwidth displays. Intel calls this the Bandwidth Boost Mode. The mode enables up to 120 Gbit/s in one direction - with 40 Gbit/s for the opposite direction. The feature should be good for high-resolution monitors with a particularly high refresh rate. You can connect monitors thanks to the support of Displayport 2.1. This allows 8K displays to be used. It is also possible to operate two 6K screens simultaneously or connect a particularly fast display with a refresh rate of up to 540 hertz.

Intel still does not charge licence fees for the use of Thunderbolt. However, manufacturers who wish to use the Thunderbolt logo must have their devices certified in a laboratory. As far as old cables are concerned, Intel believes that a Thunderbolt 4 cable under one metre in length will be able to cope with the data rate of Thunderbolt 5. Incidentally, Thunderbolt 4 will not be rendered obsolete by the new version and will continue to exist for devices outside of the upper class.

The launch of the fifth Thunderbolt version is expected to coincide with the launch of USB4 V2.0 in 2024. Until then, you can study the speed and power supply in the version comparison:

Standard	Year of publication	Max. Gross speed	Max. Power supply
Thunderbolt 5	2024	80 Gbit/s bidirectional, 120 Gbit/s asymmetrical	240 watts, supports USB Power Delivery
USB4 V2.0 (Gen 4)	2024	80 Gbit/s	25 watts, 240 watts with USB Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 4	2020	40 Gbit/s	100 watts, supports USB Power Delivery
USB4 (Gen 3×2)	2019	40 Gbit/s	25 watts, 100 watts with USB Power Delivery
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2	2017	20 Gbit/s	15 watts, 100 watts with USB Power Delivery
USB 3.2 Gen 1x2	2017	10 Gbit/s	15 watts, 100 watts with USB Power Delivery
USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (formerly USB 3.1 Gen 2)	2017	10 Gbit/s	15 watts, 100 watts with USB Power Delivery
USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (formerly USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.0)	2017	5 Gbit/s	4.5 watts
Thunderbolt 3	2015	40 Gbit/s	100 watts, supports USB Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 2	2013	20 Gbit/s	100 watts
USB 3.1 Gen 2	2013	10 Gbit/s	15 watts, 100 watts with USB Power Delivery
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0)	2013	5 Gbit/s	4.5 watts
Thunderbolt 1	2011	10 Gbit/s	10 watts
USB 3.0	2008	5 Gbit/s	4.5 watts
USB 2.0	2000	480 Mbit/s	2.5 watts
USB 1.1	1998	12 Mbit/s	0.5 Watt
USB 1.0	1996	1.5 Mbit/s	0.5 Watt