There are somewhat rare exceptions: A new USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 spec can pair two 10Gbps channels together, creating an aggregate 20Gbps hub. Thunderbolt 4 differs slightly in that it supports a theoretical maximum of 32Gbps where data transfers are concerned, specifically for external storage devices. Most Thunderbolt 3 ports, the most common standard, transfer data at up to 40Gbps. Most USB-C ports are built on the second-generation USB 3.1 data-transfer standard, which transfers data at 10Gbps. But it will be limited by the available bandwidth that the port provides, so it’s somewhat deceptive in that regard.Ī Thunderbolt 3 “compatible” dock is not a true Thunderbolt dock, but a USB-C hub. You can plug a Thunderbolt dock into a non-Thunderbolt, generic USB-C port.

Laptop makers sometimes don’t want to clutter the clean lines of their products by adding additional logos, it seems.Īdding to the confusion, you may also see USB-C hubs marketed as “Thunderbolt compatible.” That’s true. But some laptop makers use a similar lightning-bolt icon to indicate that a USB-C port can be used for charging your phone, and not for Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt ports are supposed to have a small lightning-bolt icon to identify them. Put another way, all Thunderbolt ports are USB-C, but not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt-equipped. A Thunderbolt port may look indistinguishable from a USB-C port, since they both use the same physical USB-C connection. The short answer: Look at the laptop’s published specifications to be sure. How do I know if my laptop has Thunderbolt?

If you’re on the fence about whether a Thunderbolt dock is right for you, knowing the answers to the following questions could help. Consulting the manufacturing specifications is your safest bet. Which laptop offers Thunderbolt? The top one, though it can be difficult to tell. Two laptops, both with USB-C ports, and both with lightning-bolt symbols.

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