What is Thunderbolt 3?
Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface developed by Intel. It represents a significant advancement in connectivity technology, merging the functions of USB, power, and DisplayPort into a single connector.
Brief History
Thunderbolt technology began with Apple and Intel co-development, with Thunderbolt 3 announced in 2015. It marked a shift from Mini DisplayPort to USB-C-type connectivity.
Key Features of Thunderbolt 3 Cables
Speed and Performance
Thunderbolt 3 offers impressive speeds up to 40 Gbps, which is double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2 and four times faster than USB 3.1.
Connectivity Options
It supports USB, DisplayPort, and PCIe connections, making it highly versatile for various devices.
Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 3 can deliver up to 100 watts of power, allowing for charging and powering connected devices.
Our Thunderbolt 3 Cable for you
Specification
Conductor: Copper, Coaxial Cable
Shell: Aluminum Alloy
Color: Grey/Black/Silver/Customized
Resolution: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, Dual 4K@60Hz
Material: Aluminum Alloy Housing + Nylon Braided Cable
Length: 1m/1.8m/Customized
Built-in: Emarker Chipset
Transmission: 40Gbps
Application: Macbook Pro, I Mac, Apollo, eGPU, Docking Stations, Hard Drives, etc.
Function
– Power Delivery 100W /240W (5A).
– Up to 40Gbps Data Transfers Rate.
– Audio and Video Transfer, 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, Dual 4K@60Hz.
Features
– Support Video Output single 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, Dual 4K@60Hz.
– Data transfer rate up to 40Gbps.
– Power Delivery 100W/240W (5A).
– Built-in E-Marker chipset.
– Compatible with USB4, backward USB 3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0, compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4.
– Durable design, 10000+ bending.
USB 4.0: USB-IF Certified
Fast charging: PD 100W/240W
Transfer Speed: 40Gbps
Video reslution: singel 8K@30Hz
E-marker Chip: USB-IF
Support up tp 40Gbps: compatible with thunderbolt 3/4 devices & USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
Support PD100W/240W: Only 2 hours to fully charge 15-inch Macbook Pro
Support Audio & Video Transmission: Support Singel 8K@30Hz or Dual 4K@60Hz resolution
Coaxial Copper Core Wire
Comparing Thunderbolt 3 with Other Technologies
Understanding how Thunderbolt 3 stacks up against other technologies highlights its superiority.
Thunderbolt 3 vs USB-C
While both use the same connector, Thunderbolt 3 offers higher data transfer speeds and more video bandwidth than USB-C.
Thunderbolt 3 vs Thunderbolt 2
Compared to Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 doubles the speed and adopts a more versatile USB-C connector.
Uses of Thunderbolt 3 in Various Devices
Thunderbolt 3’s versatility makes it ideal for a range of devices.
Computers and Laptops
Many high-end laptops and computers come with Thunderbolt 3 ports, offering fast data transfer and charging capabilities.
External Storage Devices
For professionals dealing with large files, external storage devices with Thunderbolt 3 offer rapid data access and backup solutions.
Monitors and Docking Stations
Thunderbolt 3 enables the connection of high-resolution monitors and efficient docking stations, simplifying the workspace.
How to Identify a Thunderbolt 3 Cable
Knowing how to identify a Thunderbolt 3 cable is crucial for getting the right product.
Physical Characteristics
These cables usually have a lightning bolt symbol near the connector, distinguishing them from standard USB-C cables.
Compatibility Check
Always check the specifications to ensure the cable is certified for Thunderbolt 3 and not just a standard USB-C cable.
Advantages of Using Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 cables offer numerous benefits.
High-Speed Data Transfer
Their high-speed capability makes them ideal for transferring large files quickly.
Versatility
These cables can connect to a wide range of devices, from storage to displays.
Daisy Chaining Capabilities
You can connect up to six devices in a daisy chain, reducing cable clutter.
Conclusion
Thunderbolt 3 is a powerful and versatile technology, offering high-speed data transfer and a range of connectivity options. While it has its limitations, its benefits make it a valuable tool for many users.
FAQs
- Is USB Type C and Thunderbolt 3 the same? No, they are not the same. USB Type-C refers to the physical connector type, which is used by various standards including USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB Type-C connector but offers higher bandwidth (up to 40 Gbps), more features like daisy-chaining, and the ability to carry power and video signal.
- Are Thunderbolt 2 and 3 cables the same? No, they are different. Thunderbolt 2 uses a Mini DisplayPort connector, while Thunderbolt 3 uses a USB Type-C connector. They are not directly compatible without an adapter.
- Is USB-C 3.2 the same as Thunderbolt 3? No, they are different. USB-C 3.2 refers to the latest version of the USB standard using a USB-C connector, with speeds up to 20 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3, while also using a USB-C connector, offers speeds up to 40 Gbps and additional features like daisy-chaining and support for dual 4K displays.
- Is Thunderbolt for Apple only? No, Thunderbolt is not exclusive to Apple. Initially, it was more commonly found on Apple devices, but it is now available on a variety of PCs, laptops, and peripherals from various manufacturers.
- Can I use a normal USB-C cable for Thunderbolt 3? While a normal USB-C cable will fit into a Thunderbolt 3 port, it will not support Thunderbolt 3’s full features and speed. It will operate at the speed and functionality of the USB standard of the cable, which is typically lower than Thunderbolt 3.
