Thunderbolt 5: Discover the Advantages Over Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C

Looking to transfer data at ultra-fast speeds? Then Thunderbolt 5 is for you. It’s one of this year’s most notable technological advancements, featuring exceptional capabilities for gamers and content creators alike. As with many technologies, Thunderbolt’s key strength has always been its speed, which improves with each generation.

For Kiwi users juggling demanding workloads or seeking future-proof connectivity options, understanding these advancements is particularly relevant given New Zealand’s growing creative and gaming industries.

Thunderbolt 5, which officially launched in September 2023, allows you to transfer data at twice the speed of Thunderbolt 4—that’s eight times the maximum speed of the first generation. Let’s explore how it differs from other common ports, relevant applications, and its importance today.

Learn About Thunderbolt 5 Improvements Over Previous Versions

As with other standards in the technology world, Thunderbolt specifications are updated over time. While interest currently centres on version 4, Thunderbolt 5 is beginning its rollout with significant changes for users.

Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4

Specifications comparison:

Ultra-fast data transfer: Thunderbolt 5 can move more data simultaneously than Thunderbolt 4 ports and cables. Thunderbolt 4 ports have 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth, meaning they can send and receive simultaneously, maintaining rates of up to 32 Gbps.

The latest version of Thunderbolt doubles the bandwidth provided by Thunderbolt 4, allowing you to utilise up to 80 Gbps in both directions. Additionally, it can provide up to 120 Gbps of bandwidth when used asymmetrically—that is, 120 Gbps bandwidth in one direction and 40 Gbps in the other.

Unprecedented display compatibility: This technology doesn’t just focus on speed. The shift to Thunderbolt 5 means improvements in compatibility with external displays. You have the option to connect two 8K displays or three 4K displays with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. It can also handle a single external display at 540 Hz, which is truly impressive. Currently, Thunderbolt 4 can handle a maximum of two 4K displays or a single 8K display. Bandwidth limitations force users to choose between resolution and refresh rate, potentially limiting them to 60 Hz when using two 4K displays.

Improved power delivery: Another improvement with Thunderbolt 5 is an increase in the amount of power that can be transferred through the cable. It can support up to 240W through a cable to charge devices, while Thunderbolt 4 is limited to 100W. This means that a Thunderbolt 5 connection will be able to charge your laptop or mobile phone more effectively than any Thunderbolt 4 device you currently have.

Versatile connectivity: Like USB, Thunderbolt offers backward compatibility, even with USB itself. Of course, Thunderbolt 5 hardware works with Thunderbolt 4 devices based on that technology’s standards. Thunderbolt 5 is built upon USB 4 2.0, as well as DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express Gen 4, so it will work with hardware using these technologies, as well as with previous versions. Meanwhile, the previous version is compatible with USB 2, USB 3.2, and USB 4 ports.

Improved data encoding: Thunderbolt 5 uses the PAM-3 modulation technique, which allows more data to be sent over the same bandwidth. This ensures improved performance without the need to change cables or connectors, maintaining accessibility and convenience for users migrating to the new standard. Thunderbolt 4 technology uses PAM-2 for signalling, also known as standard non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation, which transmits one bit per symbol.

Thunderbolt 5 vs USB-C

Data transmission speed

Thunderbolt 5 allows up to 80 Gbps (with an 80 Gbps bidirectional transmission mode or a 120 Gbps unidirectional mode).

USB-C (USB 3.2/USB4): up to 40 Gbps (with USB4, depending on cable and device version and configuration).

Device connection capability

Thunderbolt 5 is compatible with high-demand devices such as 8K monitors, workstations, and external GPUs, and supports up to two simultaneous 6K displays.

USB-C supports basic devices such as storage, audio, video, and peripherals, with support for one external display in USB4.

Versatility and compatibility

Thunderbolt 5 is compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3-4, but requires devices of the same version to take advantage of maximum performance.

USB-C is compatible with a variety of USB devices (USB 2.0 to USB4) and is widely adopted in most current devices.

Power delivery

Thunderbolt 5 supports up to 240W, the same as USB PD 3.1, with support for powering high-demand devices.

USB-C can support up to 100W (USB PD 3.0) and up to 240W with the USB PD 3.1 protocol.

Daisy chaining

Thunderbolt 5 supports daisy-chaining multiple devices, ideal for multi-monitor environments.

USB-C does not allow daisy-chaining, therefore a hub or docking station is needed.

Applications of Thunderbolt 5: Beyond Connectivity

Thunderbolt 5 isn’t just about specifications; it’s about improving how users work and play. Here are some notable applications:

8K video editing: Thunderbolt 5 provides the bandwidth needed to handle large files and 8K sequence performance. This technology ensures that video editors can connect to high-speed external storage and maintain fluidity, reducing rendering times and allowing them to focus on the creative process rather than technical limitations.

High-performance laptops like the HP Spectre x360 16 inch 2-in-1 laptop 16-aa0003TX with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU provide the computational power needed for demanding video workloads, and when paired with Thunderbolt technology, create an exceptional video editing environment.

Gaming on 540 Hz displays: If you’re a gamer, you can use Thunderbolt 5 to connect to a 540 Hz display and gain an advantage in action-packed games. The high refresh rate ensures smoother gameplay and faster response times, a condition that can make the difference between winning and losing.

For serious gamers, pairing Thunderbolt 5 with a powerful system like the OMEN 16 inch gaming laptop 16-u1002TX with its Intel® Core™ i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU creates an exceptional gaming experience.

Content creation and live streaming: Streamers frequently use multiple cameras and editing software while interacting with their audience. The increased 120 Gbps bandwidth facilitates the management of multiple 4K or 8K monitors, ensuring there are no performance issues. A streamer can seamlessly switch between live editing, gaming, and interacting with their chat, all in real-time, without worrying about bandwidth or latency issues.

The HP Spectre x360 16 inch 2-in-1 laptop 16-aa0004TU with its flexible design and powerful Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H processor is an excellent choice for content creators who need versatility combined with performance.

Multitasking workstations: Professionals can have up to three 4K displays connected simultaneously with Thunderbolt 5, allowing them to visualise various detailed financial models, coding environments, virtual machines, and more.

For business professionals in New Zealand requiring powerful multitasking capabilities, the HP Elite x360 1040 14 inch G10 2-in-1 business laptop with Windows 11 Pro offers exceptional performance along with business-grade security features.

Conclusion

Thunderbolt 5 offers significant improvements in both data transmission and performance. In technology, often “more is better,” and this standard provides greater bandwidth and connection speed, allowing you to charge your devices faster, transfer data at 80 Gbps, and simultaneously connect multiple displays with resolutions and refresh rates of up to 540 Hz.

Therefore, if you’re a content creator, gamer, or graphic editor in New Zealand looking to improve both your workflow and multimedia experience, you should try Thunderbolt 5. Furthermore, the future of Thunderbolt technology is promising, with a trend towards continuing increases in both speed and connection capacity. Thanks to its new features, Thunderbolt 5 not only sets a superior standard for data transfer but also drives product development in the fields of virtual reality, AI, and gaming.

For Kiwi professionals and enthusiasts looking to stay at the cutting edge of technology, HP’s premium laptop range offers models with the latest connectivity options, ensuring you’re ready for the next generation of high-performance computing.

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