Introduction

On September 12, 2023, Intel released the Thunderbolt 5 specification with a maximum transmission speed of up to 120Gbps. The first batch of products supporting Thunderbolt 5 will be unveiled at the 2024 CES, and Apple has also recently launched the MacBook Pro and Mac mini that support the Thunderbolt 5 interface.

Under the influence of Apple, it is expected that more terminal devices will support Thunderbolt 5, and the corresponding Thunderbolt 5 accessories will also increase. This issue summarizes the Thunderbolt 5 products that have been released so far, including laptops, mini PCs, SSDs, data cables, etc.

What is Thunderbolt 5

Thunderbolt 5 is the latest generation of high-speed interface standard released by Intel, featuring higher transmission speeds and stronger connectivity capabilities. Its standout feature is the provision of 80Gbps bidirectional bandwidth, which can be boosted to 120Gbps with the "Bandwidth Boost" function, making it three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. This supports the connection of multiple 8K HDR displays and refresh rates of up to 540Hz, delivering an ultra-smooth visual experience for gamers and professional creators. Additionally, Thunderbolt 5 enhances PCIe data throughput, accelerating the performance of external GPUs (eGPUs), high-speed external storage devices, and professional creative tools, significantly improving productivity.

Thunderbolt 5 offers exceptional compatibility, supporting USB4 v2, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 devices, while also being backward compatible with USB3 and DP2.1. This reduces the cost of upgrading equipment. More importantly, it supports up to 240W power delivery, enabling future gaming laptops to be powered in reverse through compatible displays, significantly simplifying desktop connectivity requirements. Thunderbolt 5 will be widely applied to devices such as laptops and docking stations, delivering faster transfer speeds, superior display performance, and a more convenient user experience.

Thunderbolt Products Inventory

According to the latest statistics, as of mid-November 2024, there are 22 Thunderbolt 5 devices, involving four laptops, one mini PC, three motherboards, two AICs, two portable SSDs, two hard drives, two docking stations, and six data cables from 14 companies.

In terms of product types, the most numerous Thunderbolt 5 products are data cables, followed by laptops and motherboards.

Among them, there are 6 types of Thunderbolt 5 data cables, accounting for 27%; Next is a total of 4 laptops, accounting for 18%; There are a total of 3 motherboards, accounting for 14%; Two portable SSDs, two hard drives, two hard drive enclosures, and two docking stations, accounting for 9% of the total; One mini PCs, accounting for 5%.

According to the data, there are 14 brands and manufacturers related to Thunderbolt 5 products. Among them, Apple has four products; WERO has three products; Gigabyte and ASUS have 2 products each; Zeskit, CHOETECH, CableMatters, Kensington, Hyper, ACASIS, Sabrent, OWC, ROG, SCHENKER, and Razer all have 1 product.

Summary of ChargerLAB

The introduction of Thunderbolt 5 marks a significant leap forward in connectivity technology, paving the way for more efficient and seamless data transfer and interoperability between devices. With the growing demand for higher bandwidth and multifunctional interfaces, the adoption of Thunderbolt 5 is likely to accelerate faster than previous versions. From the Thunderbolt 5-enabled Apple MacBook Pro to the rapid expansion of compatible accessories, users can look forward to a richer and more diverse product ecosystem. Ultimately, the widespread adoption of Thunderbolt 5 will not only greatly enhance the experience for both personal and professional users but also drive innovation and development across the entire industry, laying a solid foundation for future technological advancements.