Intel releases the details about the new Thunderbolt 4 specification, the next-generation cable connectivity solution, allows external display and peripherals to connect to a computer. The new Thunderbolt 4 standard increases minimum performance requirements and expand capabilities and USB4 specification compliance. Thunderbolt 4 now supports up to two 4K displays and one 8K display. The maximum bandwidth Thunderbolt 4 remains the same as the Thunderbolt 3.
Thunderbolt 4 certification requirements:
- Double the minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3
- Video: Support for two 4K displays or one 8K display
- Data: PCIe at 32 Gbps for storage speeds up to 3,000 MBps
- Support for docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports
- PC charging on at least one computer port (for laptops that consume 100W or less)
- Wake your computer from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse when connected to a Thunderbolt dock
- Required direct memory access (DMA) protection (such as Intel VT-d and others) that helps prevent physical DMA attacks
- Availability of longer Thunderbolt cables (both passive and active)
What new Thunderbolt 4 standard mean for Apple and Mac computers.
Thunderbolt 4 uses a USB-C connector same as the Thunderbolt 3 to deliver data transfer, power delivery, and external peripherals. Thunderbolt 4 also supports 40Gb/s bandwidth which is the same as Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 4 will support PCIe data transfer speed up to 32Gb/s instead of 16Gb/s on Thunderbolt 3, and the USB 3.2 data transfer speed can support up to 10Gb/s. The new Thunderbolt 4 enable docks supports up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Thunderbolt 3 can only support up to two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 4 cable will be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 cables and accessories.
Thunderbolt 4 uses a USB-C connector same as the Thunderbolt 3 to deliver data transfer, power delivery, and external peripherals. Thunderbolt 4 also supports 40Gb/s bandwidth which is the same as Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 4 will support PCIe data transfer speed up to 32Gb/s instead of 16Gb/s on Thunderbolt 3, and the USB 3.2 data transfer speed can support up to 10Gb/s. The new Thunderbolt 4 enable docks supports up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Thunderbolt 3 can only support up to two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 4 cable will be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 cables and accessories.
Also Read:
- DisplayPort 2.0 Bring Alt Mode to USB4 and USB-C devices
- DisplayPort 2.0 Advantages and Features
- Evolution of Apple Proprietary Connectors
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