What’s New with Thunderbolt 5?
Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website, offering a surprise that’s more of a gentle nudge than a groundbreaking leap. Replacing its predecessor, the card is aptly named Thunderbolts 5, which may inspire followed sleep instead of excitement. While it doesn’t stir the pot much compared to its Thunderbolt 4 cousins, it does include an extra mini DisplayPort input – though why remains as clear as mud.
Power Supply Upgrade
One of the shining features is its support for increased power. Thanks to a duo of what looks like 6-pin PCIe power connectors, the card can now handle up to 100W USB PD charging. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it represents a significant shift in functionality that could cater to more demanding users who yearn for more juice without blowing a fuse.
Performance Specs and Price Tag
At the heart of the Thunderbolt 5 card is Intel’s JHL9580 Barlow Ridge controller, boasting an impressive PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface. This means users can enjoy DP 2.1 capabilities with resolutions reaching up to 8k at 60Hz and data speeds that zoom to 80Gbps. Oh, and for the enthusiasts into asymmetric data transfer, expect speeds of 120/40Gbps! However, buyers should brace themselves for the price; as Gigabyte trims the frills but not the cost, the expected price tag will caution budget-watchers on their next peripherals purchase.
So, is Gigabyte leading the Thunderbolt 5 charge? Time will tell, as we anticipate fierce competition from other motherboard manufacturers to join the fray. For now, the Thunderbolt 5 appears less of a revolution and more of an evolutionary upgrade that could spark interest nonetheless.
