Thunderbolt 5 VS Thunderbolt 4 USB4 USB3.2: What’s the difference?

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Author : PURPLELEC

Update time : 2024-03-14 11:02:02

　　The main feature of the Thunderbolt 5 is its ability to transmit data at up to 120 gigabits per second (Gbps) while simultaneously receiving data at up to 40 Gbps. The mode, which Intel is dubbing Bandwidth Boost, only occurs when a high-bandwidth display is connected.

　　the default mode is 80Gbps out and 80Gbps in simultaneously (four 40Gbps logical lanes total). The default mode still offers twice the speed of Thunderbolt 4's 40Gbps.

　　Here's a broad overview, with some help from Intel, of how Thunderbolt 5 compares to other specifications using USB-C.

	THUNDERBOLT 5	THUNDERBOLT 4	USB4	USB 3.2
Data transfer rate	Up to 120 Gbps	Up to 80 Gbps	Minimum of 20 Gbps, 40 Gbps is optional. 120 Gbps is optional with USB4 Version 2.0	5 Gbps (Gen 1), 10 Gbps (Gen 2), or 20 Gbps (Gen 2x2)
PC video requirements	Dual 6K	Dual 4K	One monitor	One monitor
PC data requirements*	PCIe: 64Gbps USB 3: 10Gbps**	PCIe: 32Gbps USB 3: 10Gbps	USB 3: 10Gbps	USB 3: 5Gbps
Required PC charging on at least one computer port	Required up to 140 W, available up to 240 W	Required up to 100 W, available up to 140 W	Available up to 240 W	Available up to 240 W
Required PC wake from sleep when computer is connected to a Thunderbolt dock	Yes	Yes	No	No
Minimum PC port power for accessories	15 W	15 W	7.5 W	4.5 W
PC to PC networking*	64Gbps	32Gbps	N/A	N/A
Intel VT-d-based DMA protection required	Yes	Yes	No	No

　　Thunderbolt 5 will support previous versions of Thunderbolt and is based on the USB-IF USB4 Version 2.0, VESA DisplayPort 2.1, and PCI-SIG PCIe 4.0 (x4) specifications.