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Thunderbolt™ 4

Truly universal cable compatibility for work and play.

What is Thunderbolt?


Thunderbolt™ is a high-speed protocol that can dynamically adjust data and video bandwidth depending on the device and/or application. Thunderbolt products deliver a consistent, industry-leading set of capabilities for connecting computers to data, video, and power, with the simplicity of just one USB-C port. Connect to powerful Thunderbolt docks, displays, storage, and USB accessory for a clutter-free workspace.

A Decade of Thunderbolt Innovation

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The difference between Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and other solutions


Thunderbolt 4 offers the most comprehensive capabilities available from USB-C, including double the minimum video and data capabilities of Thunderbolt 3, with support for two 4K video displays or one 8K display.

 

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Key Thunderbolt 4 Benefits

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40 Gbps

8x faster than USB 3.2 Gen1 (previously called USB 3.0)

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Computer Port Simplification

One Thunderbolt 4 port can replace up to 12 other ports, for hassle-free connectivity

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4K and 8K Video Support

Dual 4K or Single 8K @ 60Hz

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Up to 90W of Power

Charge your device ultra fast

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One Universal Port, Multiple Protocols

One universal port makes it simple to connect to multiple protocols, all while supporting Intel VT-d DMA Protection

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Supports up to Four Thunderbolt 4 Ports

Get more expansion capabilities with docking stations that offer four Thunderbolt 4 ports and support daisy chaining up to five devices including monitor

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Thunderbolt Accessory Configurations


More ways to connect than ever before

 

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Which Dock is Right for You?

Thunderbolt 4

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View Details

Thunderbolt 3

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View Product Line

 

Trust Kensington for Your Thunderbolt Needs


For more than 35 years, Kensington has delivered business-grade connectivity solutions, from the earliest Thunderbolt innovations, to the latest Thunderbolt 4 technology. It’s one of the many reasons Kensington is The Professionals’ Choice.

 

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Design

Through meticulous research, design, and engineering, Kensington solutions meet the ever-changing performance and compatibility needs of today’s professional.

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Quality

The Kensington Engineering team has three decades of experience in high-volume manufacturing of hardware IT products. Rigorous test cycles and quality control means all products are tested above industry standards.

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Support

Kensington’s clients are around the world, and include companies large and small. Every customer is treated as a top-tier professional, no exceptions.

Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Truly Universal

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Effortless Connectivity

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Secure & Manageable

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Always Fast

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Notebook Charging

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Thunderbolt Certified

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Interested in Docking Solutions?


Learn More

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Find the Right Docking Station for Your Needs

Learn More

Thunderbolt 3 FAQs

  • 1. What is Thunderbolt technology?
  • 2. What is Thunderbolt 3?
  • 3. What are the video formats supported by Thunderbolt 3?
  • 4. Why is Thunderbolt the best USB-C for docking?
  • 5. Can I connect USB devices to a Thunderbolt 3 port?
  • 6. Can I connect Display Port devices to a Thunderbolt 3 port?
  • 7. Is Thunderbolt 3 backwards compatible with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2?
  • 8. Why did Thunderbolt 3 move to the USB-C connector?
  • 9. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C?
  • 10. How is Thunderbolt 3 able to connect to every display?
  • 11. Who do I contact for Press and Analyst Inquiries?
1. What is Thunderbolt technology? Chevron Icon

Users have long wanted desktop-level performance from a mobile computer. Thunderbolt was developed to create new user experiences by simultaneously supporting the fastest data and most video bandwidth available on a single cable, while also supplying power.

2. What is Thunderbolt 3? Chevron Icon

Computer ports with Thunderbolt 3 provide 40Gbps Thunderbolt – double the speed of the previous generation, USB 3.1 10Gbps, and DisplayPort 1.2. For the first time, one computer port connects to Thunderbolt devices, every display, and billions of USB devices. A single cable now provides four times the data and twice the video bandwidth of any other cable, while also supplying up to 100W of power. It’s unrivaled for new uses, such as 4K video, single-cable docks with charging, external graphics, and built-in 10 GbE networking. Simply put, Thunderbolt 3 delivers the best USB-C.Thunderbolt technology is a transformational high-speed, dual protocol, PC I/O delivering performance, simplicity and flexibility. Thunderbolt I/O technology lets you move data between your devices and your computer with 2 channels of 10Gbps flowing both ways (upstream and downstream) at the same time. And it allows you to connect as many as 6 devices, daisy chained, through a single compact port. Watch our What is Thunderbolt 3 video on the Thunderbolt YouTube channel.

3. What are the video formats supported by Thunderbolt 3? Chevron Icon

Thunderbolt 3 is based on the DisplayPort 1.2 specification and can support up to 2 streams (eight lanes) of DisplayPort 1.2 video bandwidth. A single cable now provides four times the data and twice the video bandwidth of any other cable, while also supplying up to 100W of power. One 4K display (4096 x 2160) 30-bit @ 120Hz One 5K display (5120 x 2880) 30-bit @ 60Hz Two 4K displays each (4096 x 2160) 30-bit @ 60Hz.

4. Why is Thunderbolt the best USB-C for docking? Chevron Icon

Now, one compact port provides Thunderbolt 3 data transfer, support for two 4K 60 Hz displays, and quick notebook charging up to 100W with a single cable. Also, any Thunderbolt or USB dock can connect to a Thunderbolt 3 computer making it the most advanced and versatile USB-C docking port available.

5. Can I connect USB devices to a Thunderbolt 3 port? Chevron Icon

Yes, Thunderbolt 3 ports are fully compatible with USB devices and cables.

6. Can I connect Display Port devices to a Thunderbolt 3 port? Chevron Icon

Yes, Thunderbolt 3 ports are fully compatible with DisplayPort devices and cables.

7. Is Thunderbolt 3 backwards compatible with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2? Chevron Icon

Yes, solutions and products built to Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 specifications will work with Thunderbolt 3 via an adapter. The Apple Thunderbolt display was certified for Mac only and may not work properly when connected to Windows based PCs.

8. Why did Thunderbolt 3 move to the USB-C connector? Chevron Icon

Thunderbolt 3 needed a new connector to achieve 40Gbps and fit into smaller form factor devices. With the USB-C connector allowing for alternate modes, it made sense to bring Thunderbolt to this connector and create a superset solution that supports both Thunderbolt and USB.

9. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C? Chevron Icon

Thunderbolt 3 is a superset solution which includes USB 3.1 (10Gbps), and adds 40Gbps Thunderbolt and DisplayPort 1.2 from a single USB-C port. This enables any dock, display, or data device to connect to a Thunderbolt 3 port, fulfilling the promise of the USB-C connector. See more information on the Thunderbolt Blog.

10. How is Thunderbolt 3 able to connect to every display? Chevron Icon

Thunderbolt 3 provides DisplayPort, which can natively connect to all displays with DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort, and via adapters can connect to all other modern display interfaces, including HDMI, DVI, and VGA.

11. Who do I contact for Press and Analyst Inquiries? Chevron Icon

For Press and Analyst inquiries, please contact: press@thunderbolttechnology.net.

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