Thunderbolt 3 offers 40Gbps bandwidth through a USB-C connector, supporting dual 4K@60Hz displays and Up to 100W (USB PD 3.0). The original USB-C Thunderbolt standard, found on MacBooks (2016+), Dell XPS, and high-end laptops from 2016-2020. Note: passive cables max out at 40Gbps for only 0.5m — longer passive cables drop to 20Gbps. Active cables maintain full speed at longer lengths.
The Thunderbolt 3 Cable (USB-C) at 40Gbps supports dual 4K@60Hz displays and 100W power delivery. Critical gotcha: passive cables only hit 40Gbps at 0.5m — longer passive cables drop to 20Gbps. For full speed at longer lengths, use active Thunderbolt 3 cables (up to 100m). Backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices.
Thunderbolt 4 delivers 40Gbps bandwidth through a USB-C connector, with mandatory support for dual 4K displays or a single 8K display. It's Intel's certified standard requiring PCIe tunneling, DP Alt Mode video, and Up to 100W (USB PD 3.0). Every Thunderbolt 4 port is also a fully compliant USB4 port. Found on most premium laptops and desktops from 2021 onward.
The Thunderbolt 4 Cable (USB-C) delivers 40Gbps bandwidth with mandatory DP Alt Mode video, PCIe tunneling, and 100W USB Power Delivery. Intel-certified for dual 4K displays or a single 8K. Every TB4 cable is also a USB4 cable — fully backward compatible. Passive cables max out at 2m at full speed. Requires E-Marker chip.
Thunderbolt 5 is the latest Thunderbolt standard, delivering 80Gbps bidirectional bandwidth (or 120Gbps unidirectional) through a USB-C connector. It supports 8K@60Hz video via DisplayPort 2.1 tunneling and up to Up to 240W (USB PD 3.1). Found on the newest Intel and Apple devices from late 2024 onward. Fully backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, 3, and USB4.
Thunderbolt 5 Cable (USB-C, 80Gbps)
TB5 cables support 80 Gbps bidirectional data and display transfer, with Bandwidth Boost enabling up to 120 Gbps in one direction for high-resolution displays. Passive TB5 cables are limited to approximately 1m. Active optical cables extend to 2-10m at significantly higher cost. Intel certification requires TB5 cables to carry the Thunderbolt logo. Works with Sonnet Breakaway Box 850 T5, Kensington SD5000T5, and TB5-equipped laptops. Supports up to 240W power delivery (PD 3.1 EPR).
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