Intel has taken steps to address a recent error regarding Thunderbolt 5 support in their new Raptor Lake Refresh range of desktop processors. In the initial release statement, Intel indicated that the 14th-gen chips would “include support for … upcoming Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity.” However, a correction has now been issued, revealing that the previous statement was inaccurate.
Clearing Up the Thunderbolt 5 Support Confusion
Intel’s corrected statement reads: “While some processors in the Intel Core 14th Gen processor family will include support for Thunderbolt 5, Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors, specifically, will not support it.”
This clarification becomes important as Thunderbolt 5 is a highly anticipated wired connectivity standard known for its blazing-fast data transfer capabilities. The error in the initial release statement raised questions about Intel’s plans for Thunderbolt support.
The Focus on Raptor Lake Refresh
While the absence of Thunderbolt 5 support in desktop CPUs might not be the central concern regarding Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh, it highlights the importance of accurate communication during product launches. The primary focus remains on the performance improvements these processors offer compared to their predecessors, power consumption, and pricing.
The Role of Meteor Lake
It appears that Intel’s reference to processors with Thunderbolt 5 support is related to their upcoming family of chips launching in December alongside Raptor Lake Refresh, known as Meteor Lake. Meteor Lake processors are designed for laptops (mobile) where Thunderbolt ports are more common. Thunderbolt ports are prevalent in laptops, offering high-speed connectivity for various peripherals and docking stations.
Thunderbolt 5’s Arrival
It’s worth noting that Thunderbolt 5 is a recent announcement, and devices featuring this standard are not expected until 2024. The Thunderbolt 5 standard is particularly significant due to its exceptional speed. However, desktop owners investing in Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs may have to wait for future product lines to experience the benefits of Thunderbolt 5.
