Introduction to Thunderbolt 4 Technology
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DisplayPort, USB, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. What do they all have in common? They are port types used to help you plug in the things you use with your computer. But it's the Thunderbolt technology, in particular, that’s worth paying attention to.
Thunderbolt™ technology is a type of connection for computers and accessories. Developed by Intel®, it supports fast charging, continuous power, and data sharing. The latest version is the 4th generation, with even more features than before.
The Thunderbolt 4 interface helps users connect more devices with less clutter using proprietary ports, cabling, and accessory technology.
HP devices and Thunderbolt 4 integration
How many gadgets do you have sitting on your desk right now?
You probably already connect many devices to your computer, including a monitor, keyboard/mouse combo, speaker, and more. While the latest HP laptops and desktops come with many ports, Thunderbolt 4 ports may be the most impressive. By connecting the right Thunderbolt devices, including docks, you can expand the ports on your device and create a truly powerful workstation or gaming center.
Thunderbolt 4 connections are truly plug-and-play. Use them to integrate the following:
- Any devices with the Thunderbolt logo (lightning bolt), including older Thunderbolt accessories (may require an adapter)
- Storage devices, including high-speed Thunderbolt SSD devices
- External monitors and gaming displays
- USB devices, such as mice and headsets
- Ethernet cables using an adaptor or a Thunderbolt cable between two computers
- PCI Express (PCIe) devices for live-streaming video
Thunderbolt also supports charging devices, such as your phone and small notebook computers (using less than 100W of power).
HP devices featuring Thunderbolt 4 ports include desktops and workstations, as well as the following laptops:
HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 Laptop (15t-fe000): This stunning convertible laptop offers thoughtful extras like WiFi 6E for lower latencies, a microphone mute button with LED indicator light, a camera shutter for enhanced privacy, and Bang & Olufsen speakers.
The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14t-ef200) is another powerhouse device that lets you multitask in even the smallest spaces. The durable 360-degree hinge design gives you several ways to position the laptop; the dynamic camera with Appearance Filter and Backlight Adjustment ensures you are always in focus. Since this computer features the Intel Evo-certified platform, you get a balance of the best components for productivity and sustainability.
Both devices offer the Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C ports; they give you an easy way to power up or connect up to two additional 4K displays using one cable. The 40Gbps signaling rate ensures you never miss a beat, and HP Fast Charge gets your battery to 50% in just 30 to 45 minutes.
Advantages of Thunderbolt 4 in an HP device
With other cord options available, such as the commonly used USB technology, why would someone want to make the switch to Thunderbolt? The benefits are numerous and include the following:
- Simple to use. Just one Thunderbolt 4 cable does the work of USB 2.0, USB 3.2 5Gbps, USB 3, and more. Cut the clutter and get the job done with less.
- Transmit more data further. With transfer speeds of up to 2 meters, the technology is perfect for connecting devices or building a gaming center.
- Certification. Unlike USB and other cable types, there is only one true Thunderbolt design. You’ll know that it’s tested for certification standards by the logo and number “4” on the cord, which also makes it easy to identify!
How does the 4th version of Thunderbolt compare to the former? The technology has made some incredible gains and offers more to consumers than before. While both the 3rd and 4th generation offer high-speed 40Gbps bandwidth, the perks of the newer tech include:
- Twice the minimum video requirements for two 4K displays or a single 8K display
- PCIe data support at 32Gbps (previously 16Gbps) with storage speeds of up to 3,000MB/s for faster data transmission
- PC wake-from-sleep capabilities from peripherals when connected to Thunderbolt docking devices
- Enhanced protection from unauthorized direct memory access (DMA) by checking permissions before transferring data
Enhanced docking solutions with Thunderbolt 4
With other technology types, you may have a separate cord for power, data transfer, and video signals; Thunderbolt does all this with one cord. Configure your devices just how you want and use the same cord type between them for maximum flexibility and productivity.
HP docking stations and accessories that leverage Thunderbolt 4 technology include the following:
HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G4: Protect your connected devices with this secure dock containing HP Sure Start technology. It keeps hackers from getting to your network through the dock or connected devices, no matter if you use Mac, Windows, or Chrome OS technology. It also supports up to four separate 4K displays and doubles the Ethernet speed.
HP USB-C Dock G5 for business: If you need a dock for more commercial applications, you can’t go wrong with this space-saving device that comes loaded with ports. You get USB-C ports and a cable, USB 3.0 charging ports, DisplayPort ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. All of this connects to your one laptop port to expand your device into more possibilities than before.
Both docks support connection to high-speed gaming monitors and SSDs to help you game, process data, or render videos or photos quickly. The bidirectional bandwidth ensures data from accessories won’t become congested from an outgoing video signal. With just one cord between your laptop and the dock, you can disconnect quickly and move your entire workstation with ease.
Security and reliability features
Thunderbolt 4 tech helps protect against a very specific type of hacking called Thunderspy attacks. Currently, the PCI Express capabilities in Thunderbolt connections allow it to go around the CPU to get directly into computer memory. A criminal with physical access to your device could get into the Thunderbolt port and steal your data. This puts your security at serious risk, even for a locked device and with an encrypted hard drive.
But the enhanced security in the latest Thunderbolt tech stops this by using Intel’s Virtualization Technology to remap Direct Memory Access. Only a small part of the system memory is accessed for connecting a device. Everything else stays isolated.
While not common for the average consumer, businesses using sensitive data will find the improvement a welcome one. You can never be too careful in this day and age, especially when it comes to protecting your data.
Future-proofing with Thunderbolt 4
When purchasing a computer or laptop, it may be concerning to think about how long it will last. You want your device to work for a long time, but you also want it to be compatible with the technology that will be relevant over the next few years.
With the Thunderbolt 4 technology in HP devices, you are setting yourself up for faster data transfers, better security, and flexibility with your devices, ensuring you can use the latest devices.
It’s not possible to see the future and guarantee that Thunderbolt 4 will always be relevant. The makers of the technology are dedicated to cutting-edge advancements and will adapt their products to meet the demands of customers and future security risks. This means a Thunderbolt 5 (or higher) will eventually be in style.
However, Thunderbolt 4 is so new and ahead of other options that it already offers far more than the earlier version; it is positioned to support the best tech for the next few years, at a minimum. It’s compatible with all of your newer devices and can even be used with older technology (some requiring simple adapters.)
If you're excited to take advantage of stunning 4K (or even 8K) displays and super-fast internet connections, then you’re a great candidate for what’s available with Thunderbolt. New HP laptops will embrace this technology, and we already have several computer models with ports, as well as docks for every lifestyle.
Summary
When buying a laptop, you may not think of your connection type as the first shopping consideration. You may be more interested in screen size, processing power, or whether the device has a convertible design. All of these things are very important, but will only take you so far. The accessories you use and the way you charge your device are equally as important.
That’s why Thunderbolt 4 connections are changing the way people shop for technology. The cords are versatile, dependable, and super-charged to help take your computing to the next level. Whether you game or simply want a clutter-free desk at work, this later iteration of connection technology is a game-changer for all computing applications. It’s truly amazing how it can affect your productivity and overall experience.
When you choose your next HP device, consider the Thunderbolt 4 upgrade. It comes standard on many devices in stock right now.
