Intel reveals Thunderbolt 5 as the next-generation USB-C solution with tremendous improvements
All-in-one cables offer 8K HDR for creators and 540Hz for gamers.
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Iterating on its widely adopted all-in-one cable and connector solution,Intelhas revealed a roadmap forThunderbolt 5withup to 3x more bandwidththan its previous standard, the aptly namedThunderbolt 4. Upgrades to data-transfer standards always come with bold claims of increased speeds, and promises ofup to 120Gb/sin data transmission headlined an internal preview alongside other benefits for creators and gamers.
Sharing details with Windows Central, Intel explained its continued plans to push Thunderbolt as the best end-to-end solution thanks to its broad adoption across hardware and software. Many modern computers and accessories are already compatible with the current standard, from budget PCs priced as low as $399 sporting Thunderbolt 4 ports to high-endIntel EvoandvPro Enterpriselaptops requiring its support to qualify for the brand certification.
Intel highlighted new capabilities powered by Thunderbolt 5, like8K HDRmonitor support, emphasizing a focus on the needs of creators and incredible refresh rates on next-generation gaming monitors. Increases in data transfer bandwidth will naturally lead to a new category of next-level solid-state storage with a market of portable SSDs reaching80G in bi-directionalmodes or120G for one-way transmission.
80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, and (with Bandwidth Boost) up to 120Gbps, 3x the capability of today’s fastest solutions, for the best display and data experiences.
A ‘Bandwidth Boost’ mode provides an extra 50% more flexible bandwidth than DisplayPort 2.1, enabling this maximum 120Gb/s transmit speed (up to 40Gb/s maximum for receive.) Tripling the capability of today’s offerings, this mode allows Thunderbolt 5 to supportup to three display streams, with some of the highest-fidelity panels focused on image clarity with 8K HDR or refresh rates up to 540Hz for cables up to 2 meters in length.
It’s not all about theoretical transfer speeds, though Intel only lightly touched on a secondary feature for Thunderbolt 5 that could be a massive improvement for laptops. While the current Thunderbolt 4 standard supports up to 100W charging over compatible USB-C cables, a boost ofup to 240W for PC chargingcould see the end of bulky AC adapters bundled with notebooks and high-end gaming laptops, while15W charging for devicesremains unchanged.
With enhancements to almost every category, a new wave ofThunderbolt dockswill surface more capable than ever with extra power, functionality, and improved reliability with Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 v2. A new signaling technology using PAM-3 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation with three levels) allows more data per clock cycle, likeSamsung’s GDDR7 DRAM, enabling these significant bandwidth boosts.
Thunderbolt 5 will extend its architecture to external graphics and AI acceleration hardware outside of traditional docking stations and modern display connectivity. Laptops reliant on an iGPU (integrated graphics) can connect to a desktop-grade video card housed in an external dock, resulting in faster video encoding and real-time rendering efforts. Broad compatibility also means older, Thunderbolt-reliant eGPUs will still work.
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Although they’re still not commonplace, AI accelerators will undoubtedly play a significant role in the future of computing. Thunderbolt 5’s extra bandwidth will help with the intense requirements for local inferencing and reduce reliance on the cloud, whether for a creative audience or a more data-driven industry.Video and audio effects for video conferencesare just the beginning, and Intel is ready with its combination of standards for accessories.
How will we recognize Thunderbolt 5?
Thankfully, the branding for Thunderbolt hardly changes with the new standard. A bolt icon will remain alongside compatible USB-C ports on devices, and cables will adorna simple ‘5’ alongside the same boltto identify the compatibility and capabilities of Thunderbolt 5. Learning the changes won’t be so urgent for most users, as Intel expects Thunderbolt 4 to remain the mainstream choice for a few more years.
Computers and portable devices featuringThunderbolt 5 will begin to appear in 2024alongside compatible accessories, with prototype docks and laptops to be demonstrated even sooner. Technical resources for developers will be released worldwide toward the end of Q4 2023, detailing the USB4 v2 standard with DisplayPort 2.1 and PCIe Gen 4 specifications. Creators and gamers will benefit first, with mainstream users comfortably sticking with Thunderbolt 4 for now.
Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.
