Intel has introduced the latest iteration of Thunderbolt, a high-speed wired interface, named "Thunderbolt 5." Thunderbolt 5 brings significant enhancements to data transfer capabilities, aligning itself with USB4 Version 2.0 standards. 

The new standard boasts a bidirectional bandwidth of 80Gbps, a notable doubling of Thunderbolt 4/3's 40Gbps bidirectional capacity (40Gbps for transmission and 40Gbps for reception). This advancement benefits external hardware like graphics expansion units (eGPU BOX), external SSDs, and Thunderbolt networking.

Moreover, Thunderbolt 5 introduces a novel feature called "Bandwidth Boost." This function reallocates 40Gbps of the receiving bandwidth for transmission, supporting asymmetric communication, which can reach a remarkable maximum bandwidth of 120Gbps. This empowers configurations such as multiple displays with 8K resolution, ultra-high refresh rates up to 540Hz, and triple displays at 4K/144Hz, greatly enhancing the performance for creative work and gaming.

Additionally, Thunderbolt 5 significantly augments power supply capacity, increasing it from Thunderbolt 4's maximum of 140W to an impressive 240W. This upgrade enables the charging of high-power laptops equipped with demanding GPUs using a single cable.

The connector remains consistent with the previous USB Type-C interface, allowing for the continued use of passive Thunderbolt 4 cables up to 1 meter in length. PCs and accessories incorporating the Thunderbolt 5 controller, codenamed "Barlow Ridge," are slated for release in 2024.

For more information on Thunderbolt 5, please visit: Intel Thunderbolt 5