Developed by Intel, Thunderbolt™ technology is a powerful connectivity standard that delivers data, video signal, and laptop charging over a single connection. The versatility of Thunderbolt™ technology makes it a top choice among workers, gamers, and content creators who want to organize and enhance their productivity space with fewer cables.
The Differences Between Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4 Technology
Thunderbolt™ 4 technology is the next generation of the Thunderbolt™ protocol, following Thunderbolt™ 3 technology. Both generations use the same USB-C connector type, but Thunderbolt™ 4 technology introduces higher mini-mum requirements and new capabilities for a best-in-class user experience.
Required Support for Dual 4K Monitors or One 8K Monitor
Thunderbolt™ 4 technology requires support for dual 4K monitors or one 8K monitor vs. Thunderbolt™ 3 technology, which only requires support for one 4K monitor. Note that while Thunderbolt™ 3 protocol-enabled computers aren’t required to support dual 4K monitors, some can. As a best practice, review your device specs, or check with the manufacturer to find out what your device can support.
Higher Mini-mum Data Transfer Speed
Known for its high-speed data transfer rates, Thunderbolt™ technology is favored among gamers and creators for the ability to move massive files in a short amount of time. Thunderbolt™ 4 technology advances the standard even further by doubling Thunderbolt™ 3 technology’s mini-mum data transfer bandwidth from 16 Gbps to 32 Gbps. Both Thunderbolt™ 4 and Thunderbolt™ 3 technology offer up to 40 Gbps connections, but higher mini-mums provide the assurance that users are getting higher speeds with Thunderbolt™ 4 technology.
Charging Power
When connecting a laptop to a Thunderbolt™ technology-enabled dock, hub, or monitor, users can expect fast device charging, so your PC is ready to go mobile when you are. Thunderbolt™ 4 product certification requires at least one computer port that provides laptop charging1, unlike other USB-C ports that don’t guarantee system charging. Both Thunderbolt™ 4 and Thunderbolt™ 3 ports provide 15W power to all Thunderbolt™ accessories and can also be used to charge smartphones.
Wake from Sleep Mode
A connected keyboard or mouse input can wake a sleeping computer over a Thunderbolt™ 4 interface. For users who connect their laptops to a Thunderbolt™ technology-enabled dock or hub, this feature provides the convenience of quickly waking up a computer so they can get back to their work, game, or creation in seconds.
More Thunderbolt™ Ports
More ports mean more connected accessories and monitors. Thunderbolt™ 4 technology now supports up to four ports per accessory, compared to two ports with Thunderbolt™ 3 technology.
Backward Compatibility
Thunderbolt™ 4 technology is backward compatible with Thunderbolt™ 3 technology, and users can connect cross-generational computers and accessories interchangeably.
Enhanced Security
Memory isolation is a key security capability that helps protect computers from data loss and attacks like memory snooping. Thunderbolt™ 4 technology now requires Intel® VT-D-based direct memory access (DMA) protection or equivalent. (The Thunderbolt™ 3 protocol supported this capability, but the latest generation makes it a requirement.) DMA protection helps ensure that accessories connected through a Thunderbolt™ port can only access the data for their specific workloads by isolating data in memory.
To illustrate this point, imagine a wall of mailboxes. DMA protection helps ensure that only you have the key to your mailbox. Neighbors can’t take letters (data) from your mailbox, and vice versa.
