Expect to see Thunderbolt USB 3.0 port being a common feature in all future PCs. At least, that is what Intel is hoping for, and has even waived royalties to promote the same. That is not all as the chipmaker has also announced native support for the interface will henceforth be integrated into all its future processors.
Of course, the benefits are manifold, the primary of them being a huge bump in data transfer speeds. This, in turn, will allow for seamless syncing of content between your PC and say a 4K video camera, or solid state disk drives. A thunderbolt port will also come in handy in future when VR becomes more mainstream.
Also, with the capability to transfer copious amounts of data, a single Thunderbolt port can replace all other ports you need, including the one to transfer video to external display units. Devices makers will also have the liberty to design slimmer and hence lighter devices in future.
Thunderbolt 3, however, isn’t anything new, having been there since 2015. Apple already features Thunderbolt ports on its laptops and notebook devices. Unfortunately, while the inclusion of the high-speed port has helped Apple score a few brownie points with its user base, the port continues to lack a mass appeal.
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- USB-IF-certified, connects any USB-C enabled devices. For power transfer/charging and data transfer between smartphones, power banks, wall/car chargers, hard-drives, tablets, laptops (up to 240 W) and more.
- Box contents: One 3.3-foot 240 W USB-C 4 cable for charging and powering devices, transferring data, photos and music. Compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 PCs and displays; backwards compatibility with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0.
- Fast charging and data transfer: supports super-fast charging up to 240 W (48 V/5 A) and data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps when used with compatible devices. Note: To achieve 240W during charging, the device, charger, and cable must all support 48/5V.
- High video resolution: 8K video. Single 8K@60 Hz, 4K@120 Hz or dual 4K@60 Hz resolution. Note: for video output, make sure that your USB-C device supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. To reach 240 W charging, the device, charger and cable must all be EPR-capable.
- Enhanced durability: Tested to bend 95 degrees 5,000 times. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jacket for added flexibility and improved durability.
It is this that Intel wishes to change for once and forever. The chipmaker that contributed in developing Thunderbolt with Apple is now eager to rope in Microsoft in the mix to make it more popular. Intel is hoping the Redmond giant with its wider reach in the PC segment stands an even better chance for popularizing Thunderbolt.
One reason why device manufacturers shrugged off from implementing thunderbolt in their devices is that it required the embedding of Alpine Ridge chips to make the most of the interface. That again called for extra investment. Other chipmakers too are expected to hardcode the support for Thunderbolt in their future chip efforts.
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- More Possibilities - Thunderbolt cable with 40Gbps speed and USB 3.0 5Gbps compatibility. Supports data transfer 2x faster than standard USB-C cables.
- High Productivity - Depending on host, up to 2x 4K 60Hz or 1x 5K 60Hz displays supported, and up to 100W (20V 5A) charging. 40Gbps speed cables are suitable for a Thunderbolt docking station and eGPU scenarios.
- Great for Fast Charging - This Thunderbolt USB-C cable is a superset of standard USB-C cable that is backward compatible with any USB-C port. Work as a Fast Charging cable, or a relaiable USB-C cable for dock. Incompatible with QC 3.0 and other non USB-compliant technologies.
- Compatibility - Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort Alt Mode compatible. Compatible with your Thunderbolt enabled Mac and Windows PCs, and non-Thunderbolt USB C systems such as ChromeBooks.
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support - Every Plugable product, including this cable, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
On the whole, it could be just a matter of time before Thunderbolt starts appearing in all forthcoming PCs.
Quick Recap
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- 【Up to 40Gbps Data Sync】Delivers up to 40Gbps high speed transaltion, 4x faster than USB 3.2 cable, 2x faster than previous generation USB4 cable. It can copy 10GB files in seconds, avoid waiting, and effortlessly get everything you want. Plug and play, no drive needed.*The final performance depends on whether your device supports USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3.
- 【240W Rapid Charging】Up to 240W (48/5A) power supply when paired with a compatible charger. Backward compatible with 100W, 140W, 180W in Extended Power Range(EPR). It is ready to provide you with enough power at any time. Equipped E-Marker chip for safety, stability, and battery protection. Support PD 3.1, QC 4.0, FCP, AFC fast charging technology for future proof.
- 【8K HDR Design for Professionals】 Provide a single 8K@60Hz / 5K@60Hz / 4K@144Hz or dual 4K@60Hz display support. Connect your laptop or dock to a monitor and get a crisp detail and 10-bit color depth view. Support MST Daisy Chain, release your efficiency and improve the professionalism of the project.
- 【Future-proofed Compatibility】The USB 4 cable fully supports the function of Thunderbolt 4. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0. It works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4 / 3 / Type-C devices. Compatible with Apple Studio Display, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, MacBook, Surface, iPad Pro, iPhone 17/16, docking station, SSD, power bank, GaN charger, etc. We recommend using cables below 5FT when connecting to the docking for stable performance.
- 【Top-Notch Material】Aluminum shell ensures efficient heat dissipation and protects the chip. Experience unprecedented durability with our unique 48-strand braided techniques. It offers 3x protection without tangle and gets worry-free usage. Triple protection with EMI-resistant tinplate, 28 AWG OFC conductors, and stainless steel connectors improves signal quality and ensures long-lasting connections.
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![Cable Matters [Intel Certified] 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Cable, 100W, 6.6ft](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41P73PmLBRL._SL160_.jpg)
- 20Gbps Ultra-Fast Data Transfer: This Intel Certified Thunderbolt 3 cable delivers bi-directional data transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps, enabling lightning-fast file transfers, external drive connections, and seamless communication between Thunderbolt 3 devices—twice the bandwidth of standard USB-C cables.
- 100W Power Delivery (PD) for Laptops: The USB Type-C cable supports up to 100W of charging power for laptops, ensuring efficient power delivery. It also delivers 15W of bus power to peripherals like SSDs and docking stations, making it ideal for high-performance use.
- 8K Video Support: Experience stunning, high-definition visuals with full 8K@30Hz and 4K@120Hz video resolution support. This USB-C Thunderbolt cable ensures crystal-clear video output when connecting to external displays, monitors, or TVs.
- Versatile Compatibility: Whether you’re using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3 cable or connecting with USB-C devices, this USB-C Thunderbolt 3 cable works with a wide range of devices, including Dell XPS, MacBook Pro (2016/2017), HP Spectre, Lenovo ThinkPad, Razer Blade, ASUS ZenBook, and many more.
- Durable & Reversible Connector: Featuring a reversible USB Type-C connector, this Thunderbolt cable ensures easy use with no orientation worries. Its durable design offers long-lasting performance for everyday connections and high-demand applications.
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- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
- HD Display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor to mirror or extend your screen in up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz.
- Huge Range of Power: Supports a maximum 240W charge when paired up with a compatible charger. Charge virtually any USB-C device from phones and accessories to laptops.
- Built to Last: Proven in lab tests to withstand up to 5,000 bends.
- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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