While Thunderbolt 4 has clear advantages, how can it improve your gaming setup?
docking station connection
Advantages of Thunderbolt 4 docking connections include:
Port expansion. Use a Thunderbolt 4 docking station to increase the number of devices you can connect to your laptop or desktop. For example, connect a gaming keyboard, wired gaming mouse, external monitor, and solid-state drive to the dock, then connect it to your computer with a Thunderbolt 4 cable. How many ports and which types of ports are supported vary depending on the make and model of the dock. Most Thunderbolt 4 docks increase the number of Thunderbolt 4 ports available and often feature additional ports such as USB 3.0 Type-A, DisplayPort, and audio.
Handle throughput with ease. With 40 Gbps of bandwidth, Thunderbolt 4 ports can easily connect high-performance devices, such as gaming monitors and high-speed SSDs, and operate at design speeds without overloading the port capacity. Because the bandwidth is bidirectional, the output video signal does not conflict with incoming data from peripherals or storage drives.
Cable management. Using a docking station keeps your gaming area organized by ensuring that all your gaming accessories plug into a central hub, rather than connecting directly to the computer itself. With just one cable connecting from the docking station to your computer, your gaming area stays clean and tidy.
Mobility. When you want to move your laptop, you only need to unplug 1 cable instead of 3 or 4.
External upgrade
Thunderbolt 4 ports also provide external access to the high-speed PCIe bus, allowing components that use PCIe to be connected without the need for internal mounting.
External SSD. Run games from external NVMe SSDs, such as the Sam-sung Mobile SSD X5 and the internal drive in the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Dock. Because NVMe storage uses PCIe instead of the SATA connectors historically used by SSDs and traditional HDDs, read and write speeds are fast enough to play games from external storage devices. This moves the game to an external drive, making it playable on any Thunderbolt 4-enabled system.
Video capture equipment. Another possibility is to connect an external capture device for streaming, such as the AVerMedia LiveGamer BOLT. You can capture gameplay in full 4K at 60Hz or 1080p resolution at 240Hz. Having a dedicated device for capturing gameplay frees up system resources, allowing you to play at higher settings while maintaining crystal-clear video quality.
External graphics card. Connect an external GPU to boost the graphics performance of your laptop or lightweight PC, allowing you to play more games at higher settings.
Cable simplification
There are many advantages to replacing the USB cable in your gaming setup with Thunderbolt 4, the main one being convenience.
They are very simple. USB has gone through many revisions, and finding the right cable can be a bit confusing. USB 2.0? USB 3.2 5 Gbps? USB 3.2 10 Gbps? USB 3/DP? One Thunderbolt 4 cable does it all.
They are easy to distinguish. With some USB cables, it can be difficult to determine which version of the cable you have and what features it supports. And all Thunderbolt 4 connectors are labeled with the Thunderbolt symbol and the number 4 so you know exactly what they are used for.
They can transmit data further. Thunderbolt 4 cables can transmit data over longer distances, with maximum transfer speeds up to 2 meters (6.56 feet)—ideal for gaming laptop networking.
And it has been certified. Thunderbolt cables have been quality tested and must meet certification standards.
Connect more devices with Thunderbolt 4
If simplicity, versatility, and powerful I/O capabilities are your priority, look for a computer with Thunderbolt 4 ports. A Thunderbolt™ docking station with multiple Thunderbolt™ ports lets you connect all your gaming accessories and high-speed monitors while keeping your gaming area tidy and organized.
Thunderbolt™ devices also provide powerful external performance. Thunderbolt™ SSDs and Thunderbolt™ docking stations with integrated storage let you store large file sizes and play games at high speeds, while Thunderbolt external capture devices improve the quality of your live streams and help you reach more viewers .
