What Is Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 technology is the latest specification of an advanced connectivity protocol that uses the same rounded USB-C connectors you see on many devices. This technology gives you the bandwidth capacity to transfer massive files, stream 8K media, charge devices, and daisy-chain multiple accessories to a single PC.
Thunderbolt 5 offers faster data transfer and charging speeds and support for higher-refresh-rate monitors compared to previous generations or even USB4.3 The benefits of Thunderbolt 5 include:
- More speed: Bidirectional bandwidth up to 80 Gbps
- Even MORE speed: Bandwidth boost capability that intelligently detects high-volume video traffic and increases outbound bandwidth to 120 Gbps
- Fast charging: PC charging at up to 240W1
- More detail: Up to 8K resolution2
- More frames: Up to 480 Hz HD gaming
- More chains: Support for daisy-chaining up to five Thunderbolt accessories
How Is Thunderbolt 5 Different from Thunderbolt 4?
Thunderbolt 5 technology takes everything you love about Thunderbolt and makes it better. Compared to Thunderbolt 4 technology, Thunderbolt 5 delivers double the bandwidth, faster charging with up to 240W available compared to 100W on Thunderbolt 4, and dual 8K monitor support compared to support for just one 8K monitor or two 4K monitors.
The Thunderbolt 5 generation also carries forward many of the same great features as Thunderbolt 4 technology. You’ll benefit from VT-d-based DMA protection, which checks permissions when connecting external devices. The wake-from-sleep capability also allows you to wake your PC using any peripherals connected via a dock.
The Benefits of Thunderbolt 5 for Gaming
Gaming gets better with Thunderbolt 5 technology. Here are a few ways it can have a big impact on how you play.
Docking
A multiport Thunderbolt 5 dock can connect to a single Thunderbolt 5 port on your PC. This opens up numerous possibilities:
- Expanded I/O: Increase the number of devices you can connect to your PC. For example, connect a gaming keyboard, wired gaming mouse, external monitor, and external SSD to a dock and then to your PC with a single Thunderbolt 5 cable. The number and type of ports vary by each dock’s make and model, and several docks commonly support additional ports for USB 3.0 Type-A, DisplayPort, and audio.
- Powerful throughput: With a bidirectional bandwidth of 80 Gbps and a feature for video-intensive applications that can boost transmit bandwidth to 120 Gbps, you can use devices connected to your Thunderbolt 5 dock at their intended speeds. Bidirectional bandwidth also means an outgoing video signal won’t interfere with incoming data from peripherals or an external SSD.
- Simplified cable management: Clutter can get in the way of immersion. Just one Thunderbolt 5 cable can connect your PC to most or all of the accessories you’ll need. You can also easily plug in or detach from your Thunderbolt dock with a gaming laptop.
External Upgrades
The best part of gaming PCs is building out your ideal configuration, and Thunderbolt 5 technology opens up even more possibilities.
- Multiple monitors: Every gamer wants an extra screen for chats, Wikis, streaming, video on demand (VOD), multiboxing, and more. Thunderbolt 5 technology makes adding another 8K or 4K monitor easier—to maximize your screen space with crisp details.
- External SSDs: Game files are only getting heftier. Thunderbolt 5 technology lets you add on more SSDs to store those hundred-gigabyte downloads while giving you the bandwidth to play game files from an external SSD if you want or need to.
- External graphics: External GPUs or eGPUs enable you to boost a gaming laptop or lightweight PC with desktop-level graphics. This is another great option for gamers who prefer the portability of a laptop.
- External video capture: The sole purpose of a dedicated video capture device is to record your gameplay footage and free up your PC resources so you can maintain ultrahigh frame rates even while you stream.
What Devices Can You Connect with Thunderbolt 5 Technology?
With Thunderbolt 5 devices, you can connect several monitors and accessories or even directly connect to another PC:
| Thunderbolt™ devices | Connect to Thunderbolt devices you already have. Thunderbolt 5-based PCs are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt™ 3-based accessories. |
| External monitors | Add more monitors for more multitasking. One Thunderbolt 5 port can connect to up to two 8K 60Hz DisplayPort or HDMI monitors through a compatible dock or adapter. Thunderbolt technology-enabled monitors can be connected directly. |
| Storage | Increase your storage capacity by connecting to an external SSD with Thunderbolt support to achieve read and write speeds comparable to those of internal drives. |
| USB peripherals | Connect USB devices like mice, keyboards, controllers, and headsets for gaming. You can also eliminate clutter when you connect everything to a Thunderbolt dock. |
| PCI Express (PCIe) devices | Use a PCIe chassis to add external PCIe cards or video capture cards for streaming, or use an external graphics chassis to add external GPUs to your setup. |
| Networking | Connect to a high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet network using an adapter, or use a Thunderbolt cable to connect two computers over a peer-to-peer network. This is an easy way to transfer high volumes of data from one PC to another, especially when upgrading to a new system. |
| Charging | Quickly charge devices such as laptops and smartphones using Thunderbolt 5 technology’s up to 240W power delivery capability. |
Do I Need New Thunderbolt 5 Cables?
It’s best to use the latest Thunderbolt 5 cables to take full advantage of everything this generation offers. Using the incorrect cable can result in limited bandwidth or features.
How to Get Started Using Thunderbolt 5
The most important thing you’ll need in order to benefit from Thunderbolt 5 technology is a PC built to the Thunderbolt 5 specification. Many gamers will also use a Thunderbolt 5 dock to connect all their peripherals. As you go shopping for components, look for the following:
- Thunderbolt™ ports: These is a specific type of USB-C connector on your PC and other devices. Not every USB-C connector will work, so look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port on your devices or check the product’s I/O specification.
- Thunderbolt™ cables: Look for Thunderbolt 5 cables to ensure the highest quality and compatibility. These cables are backward compatible with your Thunderbolt 4 devices as well.
- Thunderbolt™ accessories: Easily connect to other devices or hardware components you use with your PC, including docks, monitors, external SSDs, a PCI Express (PCIe) expansion chassis, or an external GPU.
Firmware and Driver Updates
If a Thunderbolt connection is not working as expected or your device is showing error messages, make sure you’re using the latest Thunderbolt drivers and firmware updates with your device.
Drivers and firmware updates are available from your device manufacturer. You can also use the Intel® Driver & Support Assistance (Intel® DSA) to auto-detect Thunderbolt products and install the latest drivers.
Thunderbolt 5 Technology for beyond Gaming
Thunderbolt 5 technology was engineered to take your gaming experience to the next level. One cable does it all: 8K video, device charging, and data transfers that are fast enough to run games off an external SSD.
Whether you choose a desktop or a laptop for your next gaming PC, Thunderbolt 5 technology can help you get the monitors and accessories you’ll need for the perfect gaming experience.