Intel gives a first look at the next generation of Thunderbolt. Emphasis will be placed on throughput for multi-screen configurations.
Now that our computer ports offer pretty fast speeds, how can Intel make its Thunderbolt even more interesting? Apparently, looking closely at those who use multiple monitors. The company has announced the next generation of its Thunderbolt standard, which will provide more bandwidth for multi-monitor setups and other “visually intensive applications”.
Intel Announces Next Generation Thunderbolt
Although the port typically offers 80 gigabytes per second of bandwidth, like the USB 4 version 2.0 on which it is built, it can automatically switch to a special mode offering 120 Gbps uplink and 40 Gbps downlink when enabled. or the refresh rate of your screens require better performance.
You can also expect DisplayPort 2.1 support, twice the data of PCI Express (important for external GPUs), and backwards compatibility with previous formats, and passive cables up to 90cm long.
Emphasis will be placed on bandwidth for multi-screen settings.
All this is not far from the new USB 4 standard. As The Verge points out, Intel is betting that this consistency will convince PC manufacturers to adopt the technology. The “number”of USB 4 technologies is optional, while they are required – and therefore present – with this new Thunderbolt, Intel’s Jason Ziller explained. While the USB Developers Forum is currently improving labeling, you can turn to Thunderbolt to make sure your gaming or audio/video editing rig can handle all of your monitors.
Intel plans to share the name and final specs of this new Thunderbolt sometime in 2023. This may give some users another reason to buy Intel-based machines (or Macs if Apple accepts the port) next year. What is clear, however, is that the gap between Thunderbolt and USB has narrowed significantly. You probably won’t have as many reasons to buy a PC with an Intel Core processor when an AMD USB 4 system can offer nearly identical connectivity.