As part of Thunderbolt™ certification, mandatory testing ensures compatibility and interoperability of computers, cables, and accessories across different brands, so you can be confident that your devices work well together regardless of the manufacturers.
What Is Thunderbolt™
Thunderbolt™ 4 is a truly universal port that connects your PC to any dock, display, and data device while charging your laptop, all through one flippable, reversible cable. Its consistent 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps) high-bandwidth connection supports multiple monitors with premium resolution, refresh rate, and color, while still having sufficient bandwidth for your data needs.
Compared to other USB Type-C ports, Thunderbolt ports offer top-of-the-line simplicity, reliability, and performance for immersive creation, gaming, and productivity. Mandatory testing and certification for all Thunderbolt 4 enabled computers, accessories, and cables offers the most reliable connectivity, allowing you to mix and match accessories across brands. Thunderbolt 4 technology is compatible with prior generations as well as billions of USB 3 and USB4 products.
Same Shape, Different Capabilities
USB Type-C refers to the shape of Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, and USB-C ports, but each is vastly different because of their capabilities. One Thunderbolt port can replace all other USB-C ports on a system for the simplest, most reliable, and fastest connectivity1 for video, data, and power.
Simplicity, Reliability, and Performance Distinguish Thunderbolt™ as the Best USB-C
A single Thunderbolt™ port enables high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery to compatible devices over one cable, including charging a laptop2.
Unlike other USB Type-C ports, where the bandwidth may be limited, Thunderbolt™ ports always guarantee 40 Gbps total bandwidth dynamically allocated for video and data. Thunderbolt™ is so fast you can transfer a 5 GB file in about a second over the cable.
Enjoy low-latency gaming, immersive creation, and simplified productivity with Thunderbolt™ technology that supports multiple premium monitors of any type3, such as two FHD 240Hz or 4K color-accurate monitors.
Thunderbolt™ 4 device certification requires at least one Thunderbolt port on the computer to provide laptop charging2, unlike laptops featuring other USB-C ports that don’t guarantee system charging.
Comparison4: Thunderbolt™ vs USB
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ThunderboltTM 4 |
ThunderboltTM 3 |
USB4 |
USB 3/DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB Type-C |  |
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| 40 Gbps bandwidth | |
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| 15W power to run accessories | |
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| Mandatory testing and certification | |
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| 2 x 4K/60Hz monitors | |
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| Required PC charging2 on at least one computer port | |
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| Universal 40Gbs cables up to 2m | |
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| Up to 4 Thunderbolt ports on accessories | |
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| System wake from sleep | |
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| Intel® VT-d based DMA protection | |
Thunderbolt™ Benefits in Real Life
Work and Learn
Work and Learn
Effortlessly upgrade your workspace experience to boost productivity and ergonomic comfort by adding a Thunderbolt™ dock that connects large 4K monitors and other accessories to your laptop. Whether at home or at office, Thunderbolt™ technology works anywhere for a universal connection you can rely on regardless of manufacturer brand.
FAQs
How can I check if my system has Thunderbolt™ ports?
Check out which type of ports your system has by:
- Looking for the Thunderbolt™ icon on devices (next to the USB-C port).
- Checking the product’s I/O specification online to see if it lists Thunderbolt™ ports.
- Downloading Intel® Driver & Support Assistant (Intel® DSA) to detect what ports you have on your PC.
Do I need to install Thunderbolt™ software or drivers?
No. You don’t need to install any software or drivers to make things work. Connect your computer with any Thunderbolt™ accessory, and they simply work together.
What laptops and PCs have Thunderbolt™ ports?
- Thunderbolt™ 4 technology became integrated in the CPU starting with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. Today, approximately 90% of 11th gen Intel Core processor-based laptops have Thunderbolt™ ports.
- At least one Thunderbolt™ 4 port is required on all Intel® Evo™ and Intel® Core™ vPro® processor family-based laptops.
- Look for the Thunderbolt™ icon on your PC (next to the USB-C port) or check the product I/O specification for Thunderbolt technology.
What is the difference between Thunderbolt™ and USB-C?
- USB-C stands for the USB connection with compact Type-C ports.
- Thunderbolt™ is the top-of-the-line solution within the USB-C family.
- While the shape of all USB Type-C ports is the same, the performance, display and power capabilities, and connection experiences, differ significantly.
- Thunderbolt™ technology offers a truly universal, reliable, and high-performance one cable solution regardless of computer or accessory brand.
How is Thunderbolt™ 4 different from Thunderbolt™ 3?
Thunderbolt™ 4 technology increases minimum performance requirements, expands end-to-end solution capabilities, and is USB4 specification compliant. Specific improvements on Thunderbolt™ 4 (over Thunderbolt 3) include the following:
- Thunderbolt™ 4 technology raises the minimum required PCIe bandwidth (up to 32Gbps) to enable high-speed data transfers.
- Docks and monitors can have more Thunderbolt™ ports (up to 4) to simplify the modern workspace.
- For thin and light notebooks that require less than 100W to charge, at least one computer port is required to support charging.
- Laptops with Thunderbolt™ 4 ports connected to Thunderbolt docks wake up with a touch of the keyboard or mouse even when the lid is closed.
- Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (Intel® VT-d) based security helps prevent peripheral devices from unauthorized access to system memory.
- Laptop Thunderbolt™ ports have more power (15W) available to run accessories.
- Universal Thunderbolt™ cables offer 40 Gbps and are up to 2 m to make cable selection fast and easy.
Find Thunderbolt™ Accessories You Want
Thunderbolt™ Docks
Preconnect all the accessories you need. Set it up once and be worry free.
Thunderbolt™ Monitor
Enjoy great visuals on a large screen with Thunderbolt™ docking built in.
Thunderbolt™ eGFX
Add more graphics horsepower to your laptop to game or create like a pro.
Thunderbolt™ Storage
Expand storage capacity with external drives that run as fast as your internal SSD.
Legal Disclaimer
Performance is based on minimum specification requirements by Thunderbolt certification. Performance varies by use, configuration and other factors. Learn more at www.Intel.com/PerformanceIndex.
Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation.
No product or component can be absolutely secure.
Your costs and results may vary.
© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Product and Performance Information
1Fastest Connection: As compared to other PC I/O connection technologies including eSATA, USB, and IEEE 1394 Firewire*. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. Must use a Thunderbolt-enabled device. Learn more at https://www.intel.com/PerformanceIndex.
2Laptop Charging: For thin and light notebooks that require less than 100W to charge.
3Any Display: Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt 4 provides DisplayPort, which can natively connect to all displays with DisplayPort and mini-DisplayPort, and via adapters can connect to all other modern display interfaces, including HDMI, DVI, and VGA.
4Performance based on minimum specification requirements.