Thunderbolt

Is Thunderbolt 4 the same as USB-C?

No. USB-C is a physical connector for transmitting data, video and power. Confusion arises because the Thunderbolt and USB standards both use the USB-C connector but have different data, video and power capabilities which you can see in the table later on.


USB-C supporting Thunderbolt


USB-C only


Thunderbolt cable

As you see if your USB-C cable or connection supports Thunderbolt you have a lightning symbol on it.


Comparison table

Info

Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 3

USB4

USB 3.2

Data Transfer

40 Gbps

40 Gbps

20 / 40 Gbps

20 Gbps

Screens

2 x 4K
1 x 8K

2 x 4 k
1 x 5k

2 x 4K
1 x 8K

1 x 4K

Power

100 W

100 W

100 W

100 W

Daisy-chaining

yes
max 6 devices

yes
max 6 devices

no

no

Cable length

2 m

0,5 m

0,8 m

1 m

Connectivity

USB-C

USB-C

USB-C

USB-C


Thunderbolt Specifications

Version

Connectivity

Screen resolution

Data Rate

Power

Cable Length

Thunderbolt 1

Mini DisplayPort

2560 x 1600

2 x 10 Gbit/s

10 W

3 m

Thunderbolt 2

Mini DisplayPort

4K (single display)
2560 x 1444 (dual display)

20 Gbit/s

10 W

3 m

Thunderbolt 3

USB-C

4K @ 120 Hz (single display)
5K @ 60 Hz (single display)
4K @ 60 Hz (dual display)

40 Gbit/s

100 W

0,5 m if passive
2 m if actif

Thunderbolt 4

USB-C

8K @ 60 Hz (single display)
4K @ 60 Hz (dual display)

40 Gbit/s

100 W

2 m