Thunderbolt enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Thunderbolt 5, and CES 2024 did not disappoint, showcasing early hardware prototypes from vendors like J5create and Hyper. However, with this excitement comes the inevitable questions: When can you get your hands on it, and how much will it cost?
For those unfamiliar, Thunderbolt has long been the go-to I/O option for those seeking more power and speed than the standard USB-C connection. While a 10Gbps USB-C connection can handle basic tasks, Thunderbolt 3/4’s 40Gbps throughput enables users to connect multiple high-speed displays through Thunderbolt docks.
Thunderbolt 5 takes this to the next level, doubling the throughput to 80Gbps and, in some cases, offering a staggering one-way connection reaching up to 120Gbps. This upgrade means users can now connect three 4K displays at an impressive 144Hz each, a significant leap from Thunderbolt 4’s capabilities.
However, the transition to Thunderbolt 5 comes with a potential drawback – increased costs. Intel, the driving force behind Thunderbolt, has confirmed its support for Thunderbolt 5 in its 2024 product lineup but as a discrete chip. This means laptop manufacturers will incur additional expenses to integrate Thunderbolt 5, and consumers can expect a price hike as a result.
The exact release date for Thunderbolt 5 remains uncertain, as both the Thunderbolt host controller and device controller are still in development. Despite this, the first Thunderbolt 5 docks have made an appearance at CES, giving us a glimpse of what’s to come.
J5create showcased its Thunderbolt 5 Dual 8K60 Display Dock, priced at $499 and expected to hit the market in March. Hyper, with its more consumer-focused approach, unveiled the Hyper TB5 Dock at $399. Both docks offer multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports, DisplayPort and HDMI connections, USB-A ports, and even a hidden surprise – a foldout port for an M.2 SSD card.
As the anticipation builds, Bernie Thompson, CTO of Plugable Technologies, predicts Thunderbolt 5 hardware to be available towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, Plugable launched the TBT4-UD5, possibly one of the last Thunderbolt 4 docks, at CES 2024, reinforcing the continued relevance of Thunderbolt technology in the evolving landscape of connectivity.
