Why Are Some USB Ports Labeled with Lightning Bolts? Here’s the Meaning

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Throughout the span of thirty years since the USB connectivity standard was established, numerous changes and developments have occurred. varieties and updates of USB That locating the correct cable or charger often proved more complicated than necessary. The emergence of fast-charging technology made selecting an appropriate cable challenging enough; add to this mix various peripheral connectors such as Mini USB, Micro USB, USB Type-B, and USB Type-C. Not to mention the numerous differently colored versions of the computer/host-side USB Type-A connector. However, moving through the 2020s, the computing and consumer electronics sectors have progressively adopted USB Type-C at both ends of cables, simplifying the entire procedure significantly.

If you venture into stores looking for USB Type-C cables, you might observe that certain cables prominently display labels indicating they are cutting-edge USB Type-C cables compliant with the latest version of the specification known as USB4. These cables often feature additional symbols too; most frequently, you’ll see a lightning bolt emblem on their connectors. The confusion arises because although this symbol signifies compatibility with the newer standards like USB4 via USB Type-C using identical plugs, this particular standard operates independently outside the official USB specifications. This distinct protocol refers to Thunderbolt—a technology developed by Intel (and widely adopted by Apple, who incorporated Thunderbolt ports into Mac computers more than ten years ago)—which initially functioned apart from USB but became integrated within it starting around 2015.

Read more: 5 Essential USB-C Devices for Every MacBook Owner To Discover

The Lightning Bolt Signifies Compatibility With Intel's Thunderbolt Standard

USB Type-C cables featuring lightning bolts on their connectors indicate compatibility with Thunderbolt technology, adhering to Intel’s Thunderbolt connection specification, which is also compatible with USB-C standards. A numeral adjacent to these lightning symbols denotes the specific version of Thunderbolt capable of delivering maximum data transfer speeds. Since 2011, this Thunderbolt interface has advanced through five generations. Thunderbolt 5 , and has utilized a USB Type-C connector Since 2015, Thunderbolt has utilized the USB-C port with the introduction of Thunderbolt 3. Previously, it employed a Mini DisplayPort connector for both Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 connections.

The latest update to the USB specification, known as USB4. boasts data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps; however, Thunderbolt 5 surpasses this capability. Typically, it operates at double the speed of Thunderbolt 4, achieving 80 Gbps bidirectionally. Additionally, it features a Bandwidth Boost mode which enables it to send data at 120 Gbps while receiving data at 40 Gbps. This new standard also maintains support for 64 Gbps via PCIe lanes and offers identical network speeds compared to those provided by Thunderbolt 5.

If you’re curious about how this applies to typical consumers, the primary scenario involves enhancing the internal storage of devices such as a Mac Mini without having to pay Apple’s steep fees for increased built-in storage when initially purchasing the device. With Thunderbolt 5 offering impressive data transfer speeds, it enables users to significantly boost their high-speed storage capacity at possibly more affordable costs, thereby transforming one of the top value propositions in desktop computers into an even greater deal.

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