With the new M4 Pro and M4 Max Macs Apple introduced Thunderbolt 5 - the first major leap in transfer speed since Thunderbolt 3 in 2015. But what does Thunderbolt 5 really offer - and do you need it for your purposes? Here you can find out everything you need to know.
What can Thunderbolt 5 do?
Thunderbolt 5 doubles the regular data transfer rate to 80 Gbps in both directions. For particularly demanding tasks such as 8K video, there is even a "Bandwidth Boost" mode that can increase to up to 120 Gbps. This additional bandwidth is ideal for anyone working with very large files or using multiple high-resolution displays.
Another innovation is the higher power supply. Thunderbolt 5 supports up to 240 watts - more than twice as much as its predecessor. This means that even power-hungry devices, such as a 16-inch MacBook Pro, can be charged more quickly.
Benefits of the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini generation
Thunderbolt 5 offers you more flexibility for external displays. With the M4 Pro chip you can connect up to two 6K displays, with the M4 Max chip even up to four. You have many combination options to achieve your preferred image quality and refresh rate. The new format also brings clear advantages for gaming or creative work: DisplayPort 2.1 is on board, which enables higher refresh rates, such as 240Hz at 4K.
Is Thunderbolt 5 necessary for you?
For everyday tasks such as surfing, document processing or photo editing, Thunderbolt 4 is usually perfectly adequate. Thunderbolt 5 really shows its potential when it comes to highly intensive tasks: for example, if you work with 8K videos, implement VR projects or regularly transfer very large files, you will benefit from the additional performance. Most other users will still get along well with Thunderbolt 4.
Thunderbolt 5 Accessories: First Options on the Market
Of course, there are already some products that support the new standard. These new accessories often offer significantly higher transfer speeds and more connection options. However, they are currently still expensive and are aimed at users who really want to make the most of every data boost.
Is Thunderbolt 5 also available for Windows?
If you're wondering if Thunderbolt 5 is only found on Macs, good news: The first Windows laptop with Thunderbolt 5, the Razer Blade 18, is already on the market. This powerful model offers the new Thunderbolt ports, a large 18-inch display and impressive specifications for those who want maximum performance. More Windows laptops with Thunderbolt 5 are expected to follow soon, bringing the new technology to the Windows world as well.
Conclusion: Thunderbolt 5 – A “nice-to-have” for most
For most users, Thunderbolt 5 is more of a bonus than a necessity. The benefits are particularly evident in very specific scenarios, and those who use Thunderbolt 4 well will be happy with it in most cases. Nevertheless, Thunderbolt 5 is an exciting technology that could become the standard for the future - especially as more compatible accessories become available and more affordable.
