Now that fast connections are standard on laptops, how can Intel make Thunderbolt more appealing? Apparently, by wooing fans who want a wall of monitors. The business has teased a new Thunderbolt standard that would provide additional bandwidth for multi-monitor installations and other “visually heavy usages.” While the port normally provides 80 gigabits per second of bandwidth, as specified by the USB 4 Version 2.0 spec, it automatically switches to a special mode with 120 gigabits per second upstream and 40 gigabits per second downstream when your screen’s resolution or refresh rate requires higher performance.
DisplayPort 2.1 support is also expected, as well as twice the PCI Express data (essential for external GPUs) and backward compatibility with previous formats, as well as passive connections up to 3.3ft long.
That is similar to the upcoming USB 4 standard. According to The Verge, Intel is banking that consistency will encourage PC manufacturers to embrace the new technology. According to Intel’s Jason Ziller, “many” of the new USB 4 functions are optional where they are necessary with the new Thunderbolt. While the USB Implementers Forum works to improve labeling, you may want to consider Thunderbolt to ensure that your gaming setup or creative studio can support all of the displays you desire.
Intel intends to reveal the final name and features of the upgraded Thunderbolt standard in 2023. This might persuade some customers to purchase Intel-powered laptops (or Macs, assuming Apple adopts the port) next year. However, it’s evident that the gap between Thunderbolt and USB has shrunk significantly. When a USB 4-equipped AMD machine may provide almost equal connection, there may not be much incentive to acquire an Intel Core-based PC.
