Intel announces Thunderbolt 5 with up to 120 Gbps bandwidth

Intel announced all the details about Thunderbolt 5 last Tuesday (12). New generation technology that brings significant improvements in connection speed, Data transfer speeds up to 120 Gbps. The first compatible devices are expected to be released in 2024.

The main feature of the new generation Thunderbolt cables is 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth natively, twice that of Thunderbolt 4. However, the transmission is capable of reaching 120 Gbps when the Bandwidth Boost mode is enabled.

It is important to emphasize maximum performance. can only be achieved when a high bandwidth monitor is connected. However, Intel has not yet announced the requirements to enable Bandwidth Boost.

This feature makes the technology 10 times faster than the original generation released in 2011. Thunderbolt 5 also supports displays with 8K resolution and a 540 Hz refresh rate, or three 4K displays at 144 Hz connected simultaneously.

Another standout feature is Pulse Amplitude Modulation 3 (PAM-3) signal technology, which provides significant performance increases with existing motherboards, USB-C connectors and passive cables up to 1 m.

Improved reload

The new generation Thunderbolt also brings some improvements regarding charging capacity. Compatible up to 240W. As Intel explains, on some laptops this technology will eliminate the need for separate charging cables.

Additionally, the standard Compatibility with DisplayPort 2.1, USB 3 and PCI Express Gen 4Offers full support for previous generation technologies. As Jason Ziller, general manager of Intel’s connectivity division, stated, thanks to this feature, it is possible that the new feature will exist alongside Thunderbolt 4 for several years and reach gamers first.

According to Ziller, gamers should be the first to benefit from the significant performance gains provided by Thunderbolt 5. Enterprise users are other audiences who will see improvements, as well as content creators who are increasingly recording 8K video and editing in 4K or 6K. Immediately, as directed by the executive branch.