"Revolutionary Technology: Thunderbolt 5 sets an extraordinary standard for laptop visuals"
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Laptop ports matter more than ever, but have you considered the impact of Thunderbolt 5? This under-the-radar yet revolutionary USB-C technology could prove instrumental in your laptop buying decision in 2025!
When high-powered users, creative professionals, and gadget lovers checked out the scene in 2025, they couldn't ignore the buzz surrounding Thunderbolt 5. Launched by Intel in September 2023, Thunderbolt 5 made its laptop debut at CES 2024 within the badass Razer Blade 18.
Despite the chicken-and-egg dilemma—users needed Thunderbolt 5 for both laptops and accessories—the market's finally taking off! Only ten laptops boasted Thunderbolt 5 ports a year later, but that number doubled in the past two months and is on track to double again by year's end.
So, is Thunderbolt 5 a worthy upgrade for your computing needs? Let's hear from the grandmaster himself, Larry O'Connor, founder, and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). Known for creating DIY solutions to maximize technology potential, O'Connor's excited about Thunderbolt 5, particularly when it comes to displays!
"The best aspect," O'Connor tells us, "is what we can achieve with displays without burdening our data devices."
Thunderbolt 5 captivates us with its advanced bandwidth management. In comparison to Thunderbolt 4, you got 40 Gbps shared between data and video; however, Thunderbolt 5 revolutionizes this equation, ensuring a minimum of 40 Gbps for data with a potential total of 80 Gbps through bandwidth boost—dedicated lanes exclusively for display.
"Now you can support two devices," O'Connor explains, "and even up to an 8K display through a single port... without hiccups."
Award-wining (2025 National Association of Broadcasters Show) and always ahead of the curve, OWC's hardware excels at catering to demanding professionals. If Thunderbolt 5's got your attention, don't forget to check out the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, available for $189 at OWC!
Thunderbolt 5 vs. Thunderbolt 4: What's the Buzz?
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub: $189 at OWC
- Features: 1 Host Port (Thunderbolt 5), 3 Thunderbolt 5 ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, AC-input.
- View Deal
Unlocking Thunderbolt 5's Gaming and Workstation Magic
So, what does Thunderbolt 5 truly enable that its predecessors couldn't? For one, it provides a boost for power-hungry gaming laptops and workstations, enabling power supply up to 240W.
For creative pros leveraging high-speed storage, Thunderbolt 5 means fewer trade-offs. With OWC's Thunderblade X12 desktop storage Thunderbolt 5 exhibits speeds between 5,000-6,000MBps, making it perfect for prosumers and pros.
The increased bandwidth enables workflows previously bottlenecked by the 40 Gbps ceiling of Thunderbolt 3/4. As O'Connor mentions, "even a Thunderbolt 4 hub with multiple devices on a Thunderbolt 5 system receives more bandwidth when it's all segmented and organized."
DIY DIY DIY!—But Mind the Human Trap
Storage's another area where Thunderbolt 5 shines; however, don't assume that all drives perform equally. "You put a couple of the fastest SSDs together," explains O'Connor, "and they become slower than a single drive."
To get the best results from Thunderbolt 5 arrays, it might be more beneficial to invest in OWC's pre-built solutions, considering factors like proper tuning and integration from their interactions with industry-leading drive manufacturers like Toshiba.
Macs Wear the Crown—for Now
Thunderbolt has always had a smoother sailing on macOS due to Apple's tight control over the ecosystem. O'Connor explains, "Apple provides clear feedback, helping us develop compatible hardware for their macOS."
PC users, in contrast, still rely on individual manufacturers (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS) for hardware and driver support, leading to a more fragmented Thunderbolt implementation, especially with previous Thunderbolt 3 versions.
"For PCs," O'Connor tells us, "you still depend on the manufacturer to provide firmware updates."
Certified is the Catchphrase—Just the Ticket!
If you're investing in one of the best laptops with Thunderbolt 5, stick to certified Thunderbolt 5 peripherals to ensure reliability and predictable behavior under load. O'Connor sums it up, "Certified Thunderbolt devices guarantee stable power delivery and reliable connections."
Not for Everyone—Yet
Thunderbolt 5 may not be essential for everyone, given its higher cost compared to Thunderbolt 4. "It's best to avoid purchasing Thunderbolt 5 accessories if you have a Thunderbolt 4 machine for now," suggests O'Connor.
However, for emerging high-performance Thunderbolt 5 laptops, these accessories can work some real magic!
Looking for the best laptops for Photoshop or graphic design? Keep a keen eye on Thunderbolt 5 for future-proofing your setups! Don't miss out on the visual and data transfer marvel that lies ahead!
- The future of laptop buying decisions may be influenced by the under-the-radar technology known as Thunderbolt 5.
- Launched by Intel in September 2023, Thunderbolt 5 first debuted at CES 2024 in the Razer Blade 18.
- Despite a chicken-and-egg dilemma, the market for Thunderbolt 5 is growing as more laptops and accessories become available.
- Creative professionals, high-powered users, and gadget lovers are particularly interested in Thunderbolt 5, especially when it comes to its impact on display performance.
- Thunderbolt 5 offers advanced bandwidth management with a minimum of 40 Gbps for data and a potential total of 80 Gbps through bandwidth boost.
- This dedicated bandwidth enables support for multiple devices, including an 8K display, through a single port without hiccups.
- Notable hardware manufacturer OWC created the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, which sells for $189.
- Thunderbolt 5 holds great potential for workstations and gaming laptops by enabling power supply up to 240W.
- For prosumers and professionals requiring high-speed storage, Thunderbolt 5 offers speeds between 5,000-6,000MBps, making it a perfect fit.
- For best results from Thunderbolt 5 arrays, consider investing in OWC's pre-built solutions for proper tuning and integration.
- Thunderbolt technology enjoys smoother sailing on macOS due to Apple's tight control over the ecosystem, compared to the more fragmented implementation on PCs.
- To ensure reliability and predictable behavior under load, stick to certified Thunderbolt 5 peripherals.
- Thunderbolt 5 may not be essential for everyone yet, given its higher cost compared to Thunderbolt 4, but it promises a visual and data transfer marvel that lies ahead, particularly in areas like graphic design and photography.
