Whatever the design features of the interface for connecting peripherals, it is due to two characteristics: versatility and high data transfer speed. The combination of these two jaundices is quite effective in the right way. An example of such an interface could be Thunderbolt - a new technology for connecting peripheral devices, created by the joint efforts of two wire companies Apple and Intel.
What is Thunderbolt?
So what is Thunderbolt and what are its advantages? Without going into technical detail, it can be described as a universal standard that will ensure the most seamless and effective connection between computers and tablets with various external devices. In other words, Thunderbolt is an alternative to USB technology, as they say at Apple, even more advanced.
Thus, the method of creating a new standard is to eliminate the shortcomings of USB, and in the future, replace it. Sereda Vobrivnikovs of the Competen Technician of the Wide Piditrimi, Ida, one, one, did not deny, I was the head of the Tsoogo, the tarti is the component of the Thunderbolt, and the cups on Kintsev Tsin Kom'yuterev. Currently, the new standard is being promoted mainly on Mac computers.
Pros of Thunderbolt wiki
The main advantages of the new technology are the ability to consistently, without the need for a hub or switch, connect many high-performance peripheral devices to one compact dual-channel port, as well as high data transmission speed. Combining DisplayPort and PCI Express technologies, the new standard allows you to connect external hard drives, high-density monitors, video cameras and other peripheral devices to your PC without fear for the stability of their work and the saving of data that is transmitted.
The transmission speed through the Thunderbolt interface is less than twice as fast as through the USB interface and even less. And although the technology has not become widespread among computer technology manufacturers, it continues to develop successfully. The first version was followed by a friend, and then the third, which supported data exchange at speeds of up to 40 Gb/s.
It is also impossible not to note that the standard allows for instantaneous transmission and reception of data. Thunderbolt supports connecting displays with Mini DisplayPort or a DisplayPort adapter, HDMI, DVI, VGA, compatible with USB devices, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 (connections are made via an adapter). In this case, however, it is necessary to understand that the new interface does not interfere with the device, otherwise it will not prevent data transfer.
Thunderbolt 3 interface
Currently, the third version of the standard is available, although the devices themselves based on the new technology will go on sale in 2016. Thunderbolt 3 using an MDP connector, switching to double-sided USB-C, and at the same time twice increasing the speed of data exchange, and as in another version it became up to 20 Gb / s, then it will be possible to simultaneously transfer files from one device to another speed 40 Gb/s. This means that a video file with a separate 4K source can be transferred for less money.
Features of the new version also include the ability of a new version with the USB 3.1 standard, support for powering devices up to 100 W, connecting two separate 4K screens, various peripherals and Ethernet connections at speeds of 10 Gb/s. Before speaking, if you connect one display, the separate display can be increased up to 5K.
More than 4 years after the presentation, Thunderbolt did not achieve widespread success and became a specialized standard for professional technology. The third revision of Thunderbolt is about to breathe new life into life.
As it became known to the wider public in 2011, the Thunderbolt interface is guilty of being a USB killer. However, regardless of the great advantage in the speed of data exchange over USB, owners of USB-crazy devices turned out to be not ready to part with their original possessions. At the same time, the range of roses that are emerging in the computer industry has not been met with fate, but has grown.
It seems that you can’t overcome the chaos - oh, oh, yogo. Thunderbolt 3 uses an MDP connector and is equipped with a double-sided USB-C. This means that Intel, by merging Apple, has brought the popularity of the Cupertino company one step closer.
Based on the presented specifications, Thunderbolt 3 supports data exchange at speeds of up to 40 Gb/s. That's twice as much as Thunderbolt 2 can provide. At this speed, an entire movie, including a 4K release, can be transferred in less than 30 seconds.
Moreover, the new standard is based on the development of devices with a power rating of up to 100 W, the connection of two 4K displays, as well as the connection of all peripherals and Ethernet connections at 10 Gb/s speed via an additional USB-C docking station. y.
It’s the best! Thunderbolt 3 back is great from USB 3.1. Also, all devices with Thunderbolt 3 can exchange data at speeds of up to 10 Gb/s from any USB 3.1-compatible devices.
Intel also announced that the first devices based on the new standard will be on sale before 2016.
There is no doubt that those who will fit well into the trend of replacing all sockets with one single type - for everything. For those who still appreciate what Apple has done stupidly by replacing the primary USB Type-A with USB-C, it seems that the time has come to change their minds. [Thunderbolt tech]
If you want to connect your laptop to multiple 4K monitors, connect a graphics processor, transfer gigantic files to the latest storage devices, or capture RAW video from an expensive camera, you will probably lose and Thunderbolt 3. With a maximum speed of 40 Gbit, the price is the best port on the market today. Over the past six months, we have seen a steady stream of new laptops and hybrids with Thunderbolt 3 ports as the largest number of peripheral devices and docking stations hit the market. If high-speed technology is important to you, you want to ensure that your operating system supports the new standard.
The axis of all speeches that you should know about Thunderbolt 3:
The 4th time is the best one USB connection
Thunderbolt 3 can be transmitted at a speed of 40 Gbit, which is richer than USB 3.1 at a speed of 10 Gbit or USB 3.0 between 5 Gbit. The new format also matches the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2 (20 Gb). With this bandwidth, you can connect a graphics processor to the Racer Core and turn your lightweight laptop into a full-fledged gaming machine, since the system can communicate with the GPU with the same speed, as if it were connected directly about until mother's pay.
You can copy files to an external SSD with the same speed as other internal drives. The same benefits come into play if you collect information from a professional 4K video camera.
Vikoristova USBType-From different
The Thunderbolt 3 port also has USB 3.1 Type-C and takes advantage of a thin, revolving Type-C connector. You can connect any USB Type-C to any Thunderbolt, because technically Thunderbolt is an alternative mode of USB operation. However, not all USB Type-C ports support Thunderbolt 3. For example, the Apple MacBook and Lenovo ThinkPad 13 have USB Type-C ports that do not support the same standards, but the HP EliteBook Folio does support Thunderbolt 3.
Connect up to two 4K monitors simultaneously
Thunderbolt 3 can transmit video over DisplayPort (DP) 1.2, and the technology allows two connections on one port. Thus, while one DP 1.2 cable can only output to one 4K monitor at a time at 60 Hz, one Thunderbolt 3 connection can output to two 4K monitors at 60 Hz, one 4K monitor at 120 Hz, or one 5 K (5120 x 2880) monitor at 60 Hz.
You can connect up to one monitor to Thunderbolt 3 using a Thunderbolt to DisplayPort cable. Tim suggests that if you want to connect multiple monitors over one cable, you will need a Thunderbolt docking station, such as the Dell Thunderbolt Dock or HP Elite Thunderbolt 3.
High-quality heirlooms P2P
You can connect two computers at once using one Thunderbolt 3 port or a 10Gb Ethernet connection. This has 10 times more wired Ethernet ports. So, if you need to quickly copy a giant file onto a colleague's laptop, you can make money on fast data transfer rates.
Bliskavka logo – Sumisny products
How do you know if a port, cable, or peripheral device supports Thunderbolt 3, maybe even USB 3.1? Look for the cool flash logo on the ports of the device or the port of your laptop/peripheral device. Uncertified products are prohibited from wearing the logo.
It’s a pity, since Intel, the distributor of Thunderbolt, wants the company to vikorize logos, it doesn’t stink. The Razer Blade Stealth is one of the laptops that has a Thunderbolt 3 port without a label.
Enough energy to charge most laptops
Due to the fact that USB power supply standards are used, Thunderbolt 3 ports can supply and discharge up to 100 W, which is more than enough to charge most laptops. Yes, on all thin laptops, such as the HP EliteBook Folio G1 and Razer Blade Stealth, the Thunderbolt 3 port is the only charging port.
No less, for workstations and gaming-class laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad P70 or ASUS G752, more than 100 W are required. Thunderbolt 3 can also provide up to 16 watts of power to devices via a live bus. Thus, modern hard drives, cameras and portable monitors can handle significantly more energy.
Graphic boosters are not for the skin system
Despite the fact that Thunderbolt 3 is a standard connection, the first generation of graphics boosters are not designed to work with a Thunderbolt-enabled PC. Razer Core, for example, is only certified for use with the company's latest laptops and with the Skull Canyon NUC mini-PC. ASUS announces that its upcoming XG Station 2 will only work with branded ASUS laptops. Tim is not less, since the printer does not specifically block the graphics booster, it is entirely possible that you are using it with a laptop that is not supported. We are confident that in the near future we will have more graphics enhancements that will be available for all computers with Thunderbolt 3.
Lanzug creation up to six extensions
You can connect up to six different computers and components with an additional Thunderbolt 3 cable. You can connect your laptop with a high-speed external hard drive, the second wire goes to the monitor, the third wire goes to the monitor. high-quality chamber. Since all devices have two Thunderbolt ports in the center (one for input and one for output), you can get the job done.
There is not much you need to know about Thunderbolt technology, but I will provide enough information so that newbies understand what it is, and experienced backers refresh their memory.
Thunderbolt appeared as a joint robot of two companies – Intel and Apple. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of USB or other interfaces compared to other interfaces?
What is Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt(Formerly Light Peak) - not very new, but now the technology has proven itself well, which is required for connecting various peripheral (external) equipment. With Thunderbolt you can transfer video, sound and energy. Since they were built on the basis of DisplayPort (which looks similar) and PCI Express, the interface can achieve high speed. You can transfer files, connect hard drives and work, and everything will work at high speed. Separate video content can be 4K or higher. Thunderbolt ports allow you to handle power up to 10W.
What has the capacity called Light Peak and Thunderbolt?
In 2009, Intel demonstrated the technology at the retail forum Light Peak Although there was only a code name, the technology was still being fragmented. Please note that code names are given to all new developments. Then, initially, they called it Thunderbolt.
It is based on optical and electrical data transmission, although Apple has developed no other. Intel believes that the rise of the electric option may be due to its low power supply and power transmission. The optical option, which is better for everything, is required for cables up to 3 m long.
How is Thunderbolt connected to PCI Express?
We all know that the PCI Express bus in a computer is one of the newest technologies that connects different devices, for example, a processor and a video card. Our PCI Express Thunderbolt version has no problems, which results in incredible productivity.
Thunderbolt data transfer speed
The speed of Thunderbolt data transmission has been confirmed. Who are you, check this point. If you look at it not in practice, the speed is even faster than speed – up to 10 Gb/s, and there is only one channel, and there can be two channels from the ports. Thunderbolt is also bi-directional, meaning one-hour transmission and reception of data. In reality, everything is not so bad, transmission speed reached 7-8 Gb/s, and the price is much more productive, lower.
You must understand that the transmission fluidity lies in the technology itself, such as the installation in which it is used. Since it is impossible to use all the capabilities of the interface, you need to remember it. Let's take a look, for example, at disks with interfaces, the maximum speed of which is 3 Gb/s, the third version of SATA has 6 Gb/s.
Advantages of Thunderbolt compared to USB and other technologies
As many have already guessed, the productivity of Thunderbolt is the greatest advantage among most technologies that we have over-inflated. You can also transmit video and sound through one port, so you only need one cable for it. To connect everything, you will obviously need an adapter to which you connect Thunderbolt, and even before the adapter itself, you will need to connect a device, such as a TV and a smartphone, to charge it.
What kind of video and audio are transmitted by Thunderbolt?
As has already been said above, Thunderbolt is DisplayPort, and the technology itself is directly connected to PCI Express. What does this mean? Process video and audio as quickly as possible. Everything is beyond the capabilities of the graphics and sound cards. On some devices, Thunderbolt allows you to connect up to two monitors with a high level of separation from just one port.
How to use the devices, what’s the fuss?
You can use adapters to connect USB and other interfaces, but you won't have to deal with them because USB and other interfaces maintain their fluidity. Thunderbolt is no longer limited in speed.
How many can be connected to one Thunderbolt port?
Up to 6 devices can be connected to any of the ports. When you connect different devices, you need to connect them sequentially, but you also need to understand that each of them has two Thunderbolt ports.
What kind of devices with Thunderbolt are you talking about?
At this past CES, Thunderbolt devices, such as SSD storage devices, and the MacBook itself were presented.
Thunderbolt 2
It's true that we were talking mainly about the first version of Thunderbolt, and also about another, and now the third.
The Thunderbolt 2 interface was introduced in 2013 and, of course, is similar to the first version, both in appearance and in the main characteristics.
What was added:
Aggregation of data transmission channels, then you are given two channels of 10 Gb/s, or you can combine them into one, which will transmit 20 Gb/s.
A different version was found on the Apple MacBook Pro Retina.
Thunderbolt 3 and what do you need to know about it?
The axis has moved on to the remaining version, now the Thunderbolt version. In 2015, a version of Thunderbolt 3 appeared, which we can’t help but be excited about. This development provides a truly bright future for new technologies and, I suspect, will remain there for a long time, and all that:
- The speed of data transfer becomes 40 Gb/s (increased from the previous version);
- Connects two 4K monitors at 60 Hz;
- 4 lanes PCI Express Gen 3
- For control, power up to 100 W is required;
- Connecting up to 6 devices (lost on the same level).
It makes sense that the technology is implemented according to this specification. As you can see, the capabilities of the interface are simply off the charts. The violence in the massacre has already begun. Also, Thunderbolt 3, as stated, is supported by Skylake chipsets. Intel has also decided to develop an optical type, after which the cable can be built up to 60 meters.
Price Thunderbolt
At the moment, a two-meter Thunderbolt cable costs about 3000 rubles, maybe it’s cheaper here, but I don’t know. The adapters are cut approximately as high and high as possible.
Thunderbolt- this is the input/output interface, which is important on computers and laptops manufactured by Apple, which means high throughput and speed of data transfer. On the other hand, universal standard USB 3.0 which has a great forward edge compared to the front version, comparable to the front versions, and is available in a wide range. In this article, I will describe the capabilities of both of these devices and try to develop a solution, which is the best of them.
Do you know what?
The Thunderbolt interface was originally developed for use with fiber optic cables, and was previously called Light Peak.
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) does not require representation. Since the first appearance of USB ports and sockets on PCs in 1995, the stinks have gone on for a long time, and today the stinks are everywhere. Every computer and laptop is equipped with a number of USB ports. Devices, such as USB hubs, that allow users to gain access to an even greater number of ports, are becoming more widespread. USB ports are usually found on non-traditional electronic devices such as TVs, DVD players and stereo systems. Now, if all types of electronic devices, including mobile phones and cameras, also rely on micro-USB interface for charging and data transfer, the name of this technology “universal” is no longer correct.
On the other hand, Thunderbolt is a term whose popularity is largely shared by Apple products. Although this technology, which was invented and developed by Intel, is not as widely recognized as the USB interface, this fact does not necessarily reflect its significance or productivity. In fact, there is no amount of praise that can be given enough for the outstanding throughput and speed of data transfer to the Thunderbolt interface.
It may be surprising that the new Thunderbolt 2.0 standard, which has such great potential, has not been as lucky as its competitor, USB 3.0.
Thunderbolt vs USB 3.0 interface
Main technical characteristics
♦ USB 3.0 interface, up to the category of high speed data transmission, which does not require additional cables, is equipped with the latest standards.
♦ The USB 3.0 interface provides “Super Speed” with additional parallel data buses. This accessory not only increases the throughput of the system, but also transmits full-duplex data transmission (so that data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously). Officials complain about the achievement of USB 3.0 and the speed of transmission is richer than in USB 2.0.
♦ Energy efficiency is the main point, USB 3.0 has the ability to supply twice as much power, lower advances, to optimize devices (for example, those that use USB ports for charging). In addition, the ports can switch to energy saving mode if they are not ignored.
♦ In line with USB 2.0, this standard is better suited for any program that requires high bandwidth rather than high storage capacity for video transmission via DVI.
Thunderbolt
♦ Thunderbolt, which combines PCI Express, high speed, two-way serial data connection standard and DisplayPort, which can be used to connect to a display device (the technology is the same as HDMI, except that Compatible with VGA and similar older video formats) ) into a single port/socket system.
♦ This means that it supports high-speed data transfer between devices, it can function like an Ethernet connection (with an adapter, of course), it supports hot plugging (the ability to connect and connect without restarting the system), and also can be used for connecting devices images, such as monitors, including those with separate 4K HD units.
♦ With high bandwidth, one port can be configured to connect up to six high-bandwidth hardware devices without wasting bandwidth.
♦ Above all, it is possible to provide up to 10 W of pressure.
Let’s face it: from a glance, the specifications, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt interfaces, seem even promising, and I can’t make a choice other than to call it nothing.
Shvidkistost
**Note: the speeds stated in this section are theoretical or maximum values. The actual transmission speed may be much less.
♦ USB 3.0 has a maximum bandwidth of up to 5 GB/sec, which means that the channel can handle 675 MB per second, approximately ten times faster than its predecessor, USB 2.0.
♦ This makes it ideal for use in scenarios that require high throughput, including devices storing data in a RAID array that would previously have been impossible to detect.
Thunderbolt
♦ Under USB 3.0, in which data transfer is limited to just one channel, the Thunderbolt interface has several independent channels, so that if more than one device is connected, each of them will be given a maximum data transfer speed of 10 GB/sec.
♦ On already released (and available on a number of recent Mac/MacBook devices) Thunderbolt 2 technology can provide a maximum speed of 20 GB/sec, which is twice as fast as USB 3.0, and twice as fast as USB 3.1. This phenomenal speed is achieved by combining two systems of bidirectional data transmission, which allows the same frequency of one Thunderbolt channel, one channel with a sub-bandwidth.
Peremozhets: I don’t have the same doubts for someone who ends someone else’s relationship; Thunderbolt is an obvious winner in terms of speed.
Vartist
**Note: the prices listed in this section are valid and are subject to change.
♦ The biggest factor in the popularity of USB 3.0 is its low portability. Also, USB ports are already installed in the processors on the Intel and AMD chipsets.
♦ Being a universal standard, practically every device comes with a USB connector, and all types of cables, including micro USB connectors, are readily available at low prices.
♦ The price of any universal USB 3.0 external hard drive with 1 TB capacity starts at 60 USD (4,000 rubles at the time of writing this article).
Thunderbolt
♦ The ability to turn on all one Thunderbolt port, regardless of the price, costs USD 60.
♦ Computers equipped with Thunderbolt ports are expensive to purchase. Most of the recently released desktop devices from Apple that are equipped with these ports fall within the price range of USD 1000 to 4000.
♦ In fact, to use the Thunderbolt port, you need to add a number of peripheral devices in addition to your computer. And the stench is also not cheap. A 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt monitor, for example, costs 999 USD.
♦ What is a port without cables, plugs and adapters? With a 2-meter cable costing USD 39 and a gigabyte Ethernet adapter costing USD 29, it's clear that investing in Thunderbolt can be quite expensive.
Win: having achieved its versatility, which is practically impossible to achieve, USB 3.0 is an obvious winner in this category.
Crazyness
USB 3.0 interface
♦ USB 3.0 is a successor to USB 2.0, with a similar interface throughout. This means that if there is a discrepancy between a port and a standard cable, data transmission may be limited to the lower standard.
♦ By the way, the USB interface is practical in every electronic device today. In addition, USB 3.0 has expanded USB functionality on a large scale. Due to its design, which promotes energy efficiency, the USB platform can now be used to connect heavy-duty devices such as monitor displays, as well as in areas that require high data transmission speeds, such as Video and audio interface and Blu-Ray recording.
Thunderbolt
♦ Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 technology are great in the same way that USB 3.0 is great with all previous versions. Thunderbolt cables are also interchangeable. The computer, interface and peripheral devices (and all devices in the future) must support Thunderbolt 2.0 to achieve maximum speed.
♦ Any monitor that supports the mini-DisplayPort standard can easily connect to a computer equipped with a Thunderbolt port. Prote, the cable with the mini-DisplayPort connector cannot be connected to the peripheral Thunderbolt.
♦ Although Thunderbolt technology is not so widespread, it is limited only to computers and peripheral devices that support this protocol. To connect other monitors that support other standards such as VGA, DVI and HDMI, etc., to the Thunderbolt port, adapters with Thunderbolt ports are required for the video format.
♦ Vidpovіdni Rerekhidniki do not easily know, do not seem to be about the same varti, і yaksho you want Pidklychiti, Lack, Xbox Abo PlayStation to the Monitor Apple Thunderbolt, the Vobrobnitsyts of the Vobroitnini is the same person.
Peremozhets: Despite its imperfection everywhere, the USB 3.0 interface plays with great advantage.
My verdict
Before publishing my summary, I would like to acknowledge these facts.
Thunderbolt, from the point of view of speed, technology, design and published results, has been tested for innovation, and has a richly beautiful and futuristic standard for entering/displaying data, which effectively deserves the title of “Smarter Interface”. Desktops have been ahead of their time, with a lot of “crazy” devices available today, making Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2.0 ports even more powerful. However, from the looks of the audience, Thunderbolt does not reach USB. In addition to specific peripheral devices, Thunderbolt can only be used to connect a number of alternative interface standards, such as with different adapters. The official is completely interconnected, and therefore Thunderbolt may not be limited by stagnation, although its potential is great.
Although USB 3.0 cannot match the speed of Thunderbolt, it offers even more improvements compared to the previously expanded standard! USB 3.1 already has remarkable flexibility, without seeming to have any crosstalk due to the low availability of other standard interfaces via adapters, and, therefore, people are not in a hurry to switch to other standards, which is why it stinks can be done better.
I appreciate that, despite the fact that the maximum speed of data transfer is possible, USB 3.0 is not a huge figure, which is enough to significantly increase the range of its use, and with additional possibilities, such as energy saving, and, naturally, its popularity, USB 3.0 is the shortest interface at the moment. What is Thunderbolt worth, this hour will show what the investment deserves.
I trust that you were satisfied with my comparison between these two largest light devices of communication interfaces, and that you were able to decide which one is most suitable for you. If you want to add anything to the next update, write in the comments.