The innovation of Thunderbolt is often said to be a result of the increasing mobility of the workforce, together with the decreasing size of devices within the tech sphere.
Thunderbolt is referred to as a data transfer technology that enables huge amounts of knowledge to be transferred fast and securely between two compatible devices, like a laptop and a monitor (to offer high-definition visuals to the monitor) or a camera and a laptop (to download large photo files from the camera).
Thunderbolt 3 technology connects devices using a USB-C port. The Thunderbolt port’s USB-C interface is capable of transferring massive volumes of knowledge at rapid rates.
The utilisation of one port type – USB-C, makes it easier to attach audio, video, USB and storage devices through one cable for a flexible, convenient solution. On one connection, Thunderbolt 3 delivers the fastest data and video bandwidth. It connects Thunderbolt devices, all HD and 4K displays, and billions of USB-C devices using one compact, reversible cable.
Is Thunderbolt 3 identical to USB-C?
Although Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C look similar because they share identical ports, they’re not the same. Thunderbolt 3 is the technology that runs through the connectors and cables, while USB-C only refers to the look of connectors and cords.
All Thunderbolt 3 devices employ the USB Type-C port, but not all Type-C connectors support Thunderbolt 3. This implies that some USB-C ports could also be unable to utilise Thunderbolt 3’s features.
Basically, Thunderbolt 3 uses a USB-C connector, although not all Windows PCs with USB-C ports are Thunderbolt 3 compatible.
This is often because the USB-C connector is also used for other protocols, including USB 3.1 and USB 2.0, so before connecting a UAD Thunderbolt device, you have to take care that your computer’s USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3.
What is a Thunderbolt 3 cable?
A Thunderbolt cable encompasses a reversible connector and might transfer data at fast speeds. With only 1 connection, it can accommodate high-resolution screens, power, audio, and video.
Features of Thunderbolt 3
It is important to note that data speed might vary across different devices. Major features of Thunderbolt 3 are:
- Low latency
- Supports up to 2 2K displays, outputting videos and audio signals simultaneously
- Has up to 40 Gbps speed
- Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort and PowerDelivery over one USB-C cable
- Supports Thunderbolt Networking
How do I know if my laptop has Thunderbolt 3?
To know if your laptop has Thunderbolt 3:
- Check the documentation: If your laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, it will certainly be highlighted as a prominent feature within the handbook and on the manufacturer’s online product page for the laptop. A Thunderbolt logo is printed next to some USB-C ports to designate them as Thunderbolt 3 compatible.
- Check your USB-C port: Some USB ports have a Thunderbolt logo inscribed next to them to spot the ports as Thunderbolt 3 compatible.
What laptops have Thunderbolt 3?
- Some of the best laptops with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility are listed below: Dell XPS 15
- HP Spectre x360
- Dell XPS 13
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro 14-inch
- Acer Swift 3
- Gigabyte Aorus 17X
- MacBook Pro 15-inch
- HP Elite Dragonfly
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1
Conclusion
Thunderbolt 3 allows for an enormous volume of data to be transferred at a quick and secure rate which makes it a key feature to look out for when getting a laptop.
It is important that you just know if your laptop is Thunderbolt 3 compatible before purchase as this guarantees a 4x speed and swift peer-to-peer networking, amongst other key features.
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