What is Thunderbolt 3? Here’s Everything That You Need To Know


by heatfeed
What is Thunderbolt 3


Peripheral cables are very hard to keep track of without cutesy terms like “Thunderbolt” and confusing names like “Type C”. Thunderbolt 3 is an incredibly newest version of Intel’s connection technology. It can really be confusing for going through all this transformation – A jump from the Apple products to mainstream laptops and desktops.   

While having a look at the most suitable computer for you, you must have the knowledge discriminating against these two technologies. You don’t need to be stunned if you buy a new laptop and see nothing but USB-C and Thunderbolt advertised in the specifications. It’s an innovative norm.

What does all this mean? Let’s have a look to get into.    

The Thunderbolt 3 of today

What Is Thunderbolt 3? Here's Everything You Need to Know | Digital Trends

Being highly promoted by Apple, Intel’s Thunderbolt technology has been in since 2006. But when Thunderbolt appeared in 2016, the time had changed since then. USB-C had evolved as the innovative USB connecter, fortified by an updated and powerful USB cable that could deliver up to 15 watts of power for devices and up to 100 watts for charging well-suited laptops or similar devices. It was a huge innovation for both USB and the future of many standard computer connections. 

Thunderbolt 3 succeeded in tracking off the old Mini DisplayPort connector and jumped to a USB-C connector, collecting the two technologies into one superb robust hybrid. 

A step to USB-C allowed Thunderbolt 3 to extend its lines from Apple devices to other PCs and Laptops – a process that needs continuum but is finally done. 

The only downside of Thunderbolt 3;

The only drawback of Thunderbolt 3’s USB technology is the compatibility issue – Thunderbolt 3’s new USB-C connection is not possible without an expensive adapter with the old Thunderbolt’s technologies such as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2. 

The things that you can avail of with Thunderbolt 3 are below;

  • Transmit data at a rate of up to 40Gbps, based on the configuration
  • Output video to two 4K monitors at a frequency of 60Hz.
  • Charge smartphones and most laptops with up to 100 watts of power.
  • Connect to an external GPU, based on the configuration.

If you wonder about that whether your USB-C port would support Thunderbolt 3 or not, have a look and find the little lightning bolt symbol next to the opening. That is the only sign differentiating it from a standard USB-C port. 

The latest Thunderbolt development on the ground!

Just as the Thunderbolt & Thunderbolt 2 have been out of fashion now, Thunderbolt 3 would continue to be updated. Charging devices using USB-C connections are most common in use. Compatibility has also been laid onward to include the latest USB 3.2 cables. However, it is still an ongoing process, so always double-check your cables.  

But here the other concern is the security issues. No doubt, this high-speed data also comes with a few security threats. Security experts have recently warned of the Thunderclap vulnerability. These security risks are specifically concerning because the Thunderbolt 3 has so much more compatibility.

All techs – the MacBook Pro, Air, iMac, and Mac Mini have a Thunderbolt 3 port. It’s an important alert that must be considered while going for these high-speed connections and should never be used with unfamiliar devices.