When looking for a new device or peripheral, you may have heard of Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4. But what is the difference between the two? Which one is better for your needs? This article will take a deep dive into the characteristics of Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 to help you make an informed choice.
1. Brief Overview
Thunderbolt 4: Developed by Intel, it is the latest generation of Thunderbolt interface. It integrates data, video, and power transmission and is widely used in laptops, desktops, and various peripherals.
USB 4: Developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), it is the latest version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. It is designed to be backward compatible with previous USB versions and provide improved performance and features.
2. Speed and Performance
Thunderbolt 4: With data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, it supports two 4K displays or one 8K display.
USB 4: Data transfer speeds range from 20 Gbps to 40 Gbps, depending on the implementation. A single 8K display or two 4K displays are also supported.
3. Compatibility
Thunderbolt 4: Compatible with previous generations of Thunderbolt and USB devices, but may require adapters or cables to connect older devices.
USB 4: Has excellent backward compatibility, works seamlessly with USB 3, USB 2, and even some Thunderbolt 3 devices, and promotes the USB Type-C connector to become the standard.
4. Data transfer capabilities
Thunderbolt 4: Supports daisy chain connection, allowing up to six Thunderbolt devices to be connected in a single chain.
USB 4: Although it does not support daisy chain connection, it provides USB power supply and support for alternative modes such as DisplayPort.
5. Power delivery
Both Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 support up to 100 watts of power delivery, providing fast charging capabilities for compatible devices.
6. Cost
Thunderbolt 4: Generally more expensive than USB 4, but provides advanced features and performance.
USB 4: Generally cheaper and a more accessible option for many users.
7, Security
Thunderbolt 4: Supports Intel VT-d based Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection, which helps prevent unauthorized access to computer memory and sensitive data.
USB 4: Although it does not have the same level of security features as Thunderbolt 4, it can still be used for data transfer and device charging.
8, Conclusion
To sum up, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Thunderbolt 4 performs better in performance, daisy chain function and security, while USB 4 is favored by many users for its lower cost and wide compatibility. When choosing, please weigh it according to your specific needs and budget.
