Introducing faster Thunderbolt connections will supply the demand from power users, streamers, content creators, and gamers searching for the best displays and enhanced immersion, offering low latency images and video and an increasingly higher resolution. Another improvement of the technology is access to faster-transmitted data and larger file sizes. Some of the highlighted & new features include:
Two times the total bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 to 80 Gbps, while providing up to three times the bandwidth of 120 Gbps for video-intensive usages. Support for the newly released DisplayPort 2.1 for the best display experience. Two times the PCI Express data throughput for faster storage and external graphics. Works with existing passive cables up to 1m via a new signaling technology. Compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB, and DisplayPort. Supported by Intel’s enabling and certification programs.
However, the bandwidth is not unidirectional but bi-directional, which opens up to 120Gbps to provide the best viewing experience on display. This new bi-directional bandwidth technology will perform three times better than previous generations. The new Thunderbolt will offer increased PCIe data throughput — up to two times faster — to increase the efficiency of storage and graphics from external sources. The prototype is also shown to be capable of compatibility with previous versions of Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and USB. Thunderbolt will also continue to work with existing passive cables (up to one meter) through a new signaling technology developed by Intel. The new technology will also support the enablement and certification of Intel’s programs. —Jason Ziller, general manager of the Client Connectivity Division, Intel The company has continued to work closely with several of its partners, from cable, PC, and accessory companies, to enhance the new Thunderbolt technology, which was the basis for the USB4 standards currently set.
News Source: Intel Newsroom
