Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C - Don't Be Portly Confused (speed, functionality, compatibility, cost)
Unsure about Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C? Don't worry! This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the right connector for your needs. Learn about speed, functionality, compatibility, cost and more!
Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C - This is something you shouldn't miss knowing!
In the ever-changing world of technology, it's crucial to be informed about the basic concepts and their differences. I believe you're here because you're interested in a detailed explanation of the differences between Thunderbolt 4 and USB C, but don't worry, you've come to the right place.
Even though it might seem like an insignificant topic at first glance, knowing the difference between these two connectors can save you from embarrassment in certain situations. For example, your boss might ask for a Thunderbolt 4 because he needs a powerful connector at that moment, and in your ignorance, you hand him a regular USB C.
Not only would you seem technically uninformed, but you might also appear to be sabotaging him. To you, they might look like the same connector, but aside from differences in power and speed, you should also pay attention to the cable's structure and the port. Jokes aside, I'm here to turn any confusion you have into knowledge that will serve as a powerful tool at any moment.
What follows is a detailed description of Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C, including a thorough look into technical aspects like power and speed, as well as detailed explanations of the cable and port characteristics.
Technical Aspects (speed, functionality, compatibility, cost)
For those who want to dive into the technical depths of Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C, I have prepared a detailed analysis of these two connectors. As a Systems Integration Engineer who works daily on maintaining hardware setups and systems, I'm compelled to know all the details and key differences, which I will gladly share with you.
| Feature | USB C | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 40 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Data | Yes | Yes |
| Video | Yes (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) | Yes (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W | Up to 240W |
| Device Chaining | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Wide | Limited |
Table: Technical Aspects of USB C and Thunderbolt 4
- Technology and Protocols:
- Thunderbolt 4: Based on PCI Express and DisplayPort, it uses tunneling protocol to transmit data over DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode). It allows for multi-channel use and supports protocols like USB 4, DisplayPort, and PCI Express.
- USB C: Defined by the USB specification, it primarily focuses on data transfer and power delivery. It uses SuperSpeed USB protocols for data transfer and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) for power. It does not natively support PCI Express.
- Speed and Bandwidth:
- Thunderbolt 4: Theoretical maximum of 40 Gbps, allowing for two channels of 20 Gbps each. Supports multi-channel use, enabling simultaneous charging, data transfer, and video output.
- USB C: The USB 4 variant offers the same maximum of 40 Gbps but is limited to one channel. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 variant offers 20 Gbps over two channels. It does not support multi-channel use in the same way as Thunderbolt 4.
- Video Output Capabilities:
- Thunderbolt 4: Supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) for direct DisplayPort signal output. Allows for connecting high-resolution monitors and multiple monitor outputs.
- USB C: Supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) in some implementations, enabling similar video output capabilities as Thunderbolt 4.
- Power Delivery:
- Thunderbolt 4: Supports Power Delivery (PD) up to 240W, allowing for power and fast charging of high-powered laptops and other devices.
- USB C: USB Power Delivery (USB PD) offers up to 100W of power according to the specification. Power delivery capabilities vary depending on device implementation.
- Device Daisy-Chaining:
- Thunderbolt 4: Supports device daisy-chaining, allowing multiple devices to be connected in a series over a single Thunderbolt 4 port. This enhances flexibility and reduces the number of required cables.
- USB C: Does not natively support device daisy-chaining according to the USB C specification. Some manufacturers may implement their own solutions for daisy-chaining devices, but compatibility and performance can vary.
- Compatibility:
- Thunderbolt 4: Compatible with USB devices through the USB 4 protocol. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 2 devices with appropriate adapters.
- USB C: Widely compatible with existing USB devices. Does not natively offer compatibility with Thunderbolt devices without Thunderbolt 3/4 compatible controllers and adapters.
- Cost and Availability:
- Thunderbolt 4: More expensive than USB C devices due to the more complex technology and licensing. Availability is limited to premium laptops and peripheral devices.
- USB C: Widely available and affordable due to universal acceptance and ease of implementation.
Thunderbolt 4 vs USB C in the Future
USB C has the potential to reach the performance levels of Thunderbolt 4 in the future. However, currently, Thunderbolt 4 is more commonly implemented for some advanced and high-end operations due to its power and additional features. It's up to us to test the benefits of both through our daily needs, while modern technology diligently develops new supersonic data and information transmitters.
Considering that technological achievements can't be caught with the naked eye, we can assume that both Thunderbolt 4 and USB C will soon end up in an old and dusty drawer, just like VGA cables.
What Have We Concluded?
Thunderbolt 4 offers superior performance. This performance is reflected in its bandwidth, video output capabilities, power delivery, and device daisy-chaining compared to USB C. However, its price and limited availability make it less accessible for all users. USB C is still an excellent option for everyday needs and is compatible with a wide range of devices, overall doing a great job.
Let's simplify things: If you want to quickly transfer a large amount of data or connect multiple devices to one port, Thunderbolt 4 is a great choice. On the other hand, USB C will be a great option if you want to connect a peripheral device or transfer a smaller amount of data. I wouldn't add anything more to this, I think everything is quite clear.
As we've already mentioned, technological advancements are developing at the speed of light, bringing with them various innovations. We are witnessing an ever-growing wave of AI technology development that brings with it incredible possibilities and risks. I recommend you check out my previous article on types of artificial general intelligence to learn some mind-blowing facts about this "alien" technology.