Intel recently announced Thunderbolt 5 and demonstrated it in a prototype laptop and dock with up to 120Gbps bandwidth using its “Bandwidth Boost” feature (see embedded video at the end of this post).

Thunderbolt 5 will provide 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) bidirectional bandwidth, with a maximum bandwidth of 120 Gbps achieved through “Bandwidth Scaling” to support multiple 8K monitors; That’s three times the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4, up to 40 Gbps.

Thunderbolt 5 builds on Thunderbolt 4 with several improvements and features:

• Doubles and triples total bidirectional bandwidth (120 Gbps) for heavy video usage
• Double PCI Express data bandwidth for faster storage and external graphics.
• Compatible with USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express Gen 4
• Double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt Networking for high-speed PC-to-PC connections.
• PAM-3 signaling technology provides increased efficiency with the help of modern printed circuit boards, connectors and passive cables up to 1 meter long. (So ​​the active cable required to reach 80Gbps on USB4 V2 may not be required… Twice)

Intel says the new Thunderbolt 5 standard will provide the bandwidth content creators, gamers and professionals need. While Thunderbolt 4 can now be found on many mini PCs, I’m not sure that will happen with Thunderbolt 5 anytime soon until the price of high-resolution 8K displays drops; but the need for faster storage and high-performance eGPUs may also increase adoption. new standard.

With this in mind, Thunderbolt 5 is expected to come to premium PCs and laptops soon, as Intel’s controller codenamed Barlow Ridge is expected to launch in 2024.