Intel has recently announced Thunderbolt 5, the latest iteration of their high-speed connectivity technology. With up to 120 Gbps bandwidth when using “Bandwidth Boost,” Thunderbolt 5 offers significant improvements over its predecessor.
The key features of Thunderbolt 5 include:
- 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, with the option to boost it to 120 Gbps for video-intensive usage.
- Double the PCI Express data throughput, resulting in faster storage and external graphics performance.
- Compatibility with USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1, and PCI Express Gen 4.
- Double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt Networking for high-speed PC-to-PC connections.
- PAM-3 signaling technology that enhances performance with existing circuit boards, connectors, and passive cables up to 1 meter.
Thunderbolt 5 is aimed at meeting the needs of content creators, gamers, and professionals who require high-speed connectivity. While it may take some time for Thunderbolt 5 to become prevalent in mini PCs, its adoption is expected to increase as the demand for faster storage and high-performance eGPU grows.
Premium PCs and laptops are likely to integrate Thunderbolt 5 soon, as Intel’s controller, codenamed Barlow Ridge, is set to be available in 2024.
For storage enthusiasts and those building home servers, Thunderbolt 5 offers an exciting prospect. Its increased bandwidth and compatibility with USB4 V2 make it a suitable choice for high-speed data transfer and storage solutions. Additionally, Thunderbolt 5’s ability to support multiple 8K monitors opens up possibilities for multi-display setups in server or network environments.
It’s worth noting that Thunderbolt 5’s potential for storage extends beyond traditional setups. For instance, AWS has adopted Thunderbolt for their Apple Silicon Mac mini datacenter offering, utilizing its capabilities for high-speed storage.
For more detailed information on Thunderbolt 5, refer to Intel’s press release and the product page.
Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.