Thunderbolt USB 4 to HDMI: What You Need to Know

As you prepare to upgrade your devices with the latest technology, it's essential to understand the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and 4. In this article, we'll explore the key features of each standard and help you make an informed decision.

First off, let's talk about power requirements. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 require at least 15W to power devices plugged into the Thunderbolt port, such as a bus-powered hard drive. This means that your devices need sufficient power to function properly.

Now, about USB4 Version 2: this upcoming standard will propel USB4 to 80Gbps, making it an exciting development in the world of connectivity. However, most hubs and docks are currently marketed as Thunderbolt 4, while devices like external SSDs are designed around USB4. Don't worry too much about the difference – it's rare to see a USB4 hub.

One significant advantage of Thunderbolt 4 is its ability to support longer cables and more Thunderbolt ports on laptops. Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 supports 'wake on sleep' from an external keyboard or mouse, allowing you to easily wake up your PC.

For external storage, Thunderbolt 4 offers impressive data transfer speeds – up to 32Gbps of data transfer is possible, making it ideal for video editing, external GPU connections, and gaming. On the other hand, Thunderbolt 3 supports a slower PCIe connection, which may not be sufficient for demanding applications.

In summary, Thunderbolt 4 offers more advanced features than Thunderbolt 3, including faster data transfer speeds and longer cable support. However, both standards are capable of supporting up to 40Gbps maximum bandwidth – enough for two 4K/60 displays.

Ultimately, the choice between Thunderbolt 3 and 4 comes down to your specific needs. If you're looking for a more advanced standard with faster data transfer speeds, Thunderbolt 4 may be the better option. However, if you're satisfied with the capabilities of Thunderbolt 3, there's little reason to upgrade.

Thunderbolt usb 4 to hdmi