Tag: Thunderbolt 5

  • LG UltraFine 6K Monitor at CES 2025: Apple Pro Display Rival

    LG UltraFine 6K Monitor at CES 2025: Apple Pro Display Rival

    The recently unveiled LG UltraFine 6K Monitor has been recognized as a CES 2025 awards honoree in the Imaging category. The event commenced on January 7th, where this exciting product is being showcased.

    Cutting-Edge Technology

    According to LG, the UltraFine 6K Monitor, identified by the model number 32U990A, is the first monitor to feature Thunderbolt 5. This new technology is expected to enhance the bandwidth from 40 Gbps to 80 Gbps, and it includes a 120 Gbps Bandwidth Boost. This 32-inch professional display utilizes a Nano IPS Black panel, which reportedly covers an impressive 99.5% of Adobe RGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts. However, specifics regarding the native refresh rate are still not disclosed.

    Impressive Specifications

    The monitor is anticipated to boast a contrast ratio of 2,000:1 and a resolution of 6,016 x 3,384 px. Additionally, it is rumored to support color calibration software, which is a plus for professional users. LG has described the design as sleek, featuring a broad stand and a rounded base, resembling the Apple Pro Display XDR (currently priced at $5,999.99 without a stand at Best Buy). The exact launch date and pricing for the LG UltraFine 6K Monitor remains unclear. Since it appears to lack a Mini-LED backlight and considering its other features, it is believed that it will be priced lower than the Apple offering.

    Conclusion

    Overall, the LG UltraFine 6K Monitor is generating buzz at CES 2025 for its innovative features and specifications. While more information about its release is awaited, it is clear that LG is aiming to deliver a top-tier product for professionals in creative fields.

    Source: Link


    Image 1
  • USB4 2.0 Cables Launching in 2024: What to Expect

    USB4 2.0 Cables Launching in 2024: What to Expect

    Japanese company Elecom has revealed its first cables that comply with the newly introduced USB4 2.0 standard, which debuted in early September. These cables can reach speeds of up to 80 Gbit/s in both directions and support 8K/60Hz video signals through DisplayPort passthrough. For reference, the previous USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 standards only offer 40 Gbit/s maximum and can handle video transmission up to 4K/60Hz.

    Enhanced Power Delivery

    A key upgrade is in the power delivery capability, which now hits a maximum of 240 watts. This advancement means that power-hungry gadgets like gaming laptops and high-performance workstations can be powered effectively. However, it’s important to note that not all USB4 2.0 cables from Elecom will support this full power output. The manufacturer has announced cables rated for both 60 and 240 watts.

    Availability and Market Launch

    Elecom’s USB4 2.0 cables are expected to hit the market around mid-December 2024, but initially, they will only be sold in Japan. There’s no information yet on when they might be available in other regions.

    Currently, there are no motherboards available that support USB4 2.0 natively. To take full advantage of the new USB standard’s capabilities, users will need to install a USB4 2.0 controller as an expansion card in their PCs.

    Comparison with Thunderbolt 5

    Intel’s Thunderbolt 5 standard, which is already integrated into devices such as the Razer Blade 18 gaming laptop and Kensington’s SD5000T5 EQ docking station, also supports speeds of 80 Gbit/s. However, it features asymmetric bandwidth distribution, allowing up to 120 Gbit/s for demanding video tasks, making it particularly suitable for 8K streaming.

  • OWC Preorders Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 External SSD

    OWC Preorders Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 External SSD

    OWC has started taking preorders for the Envoy Ultra external SSD, which features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This portable drive boasts impressive transfer speeds of over 6,000 MB/s and works seamlessly with both PCs and Macs. It is powered through the bus, eliminating the need for an external power source. The sturdy aluminum casing is designed to be crushproof, as well as resistant to dust and water.

    Thunderbolt Technology Evolution

    The Thunderbolt interface, created by Intel and Apple, was introduced as an upgrade to the older Firewire interface. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with USB-C ports that adhere to the USB4 2.0 specification and can handle transfer speeds exceeding 10,000 MB/s. Additionally, the OWC drive is compatible with older USB standards, including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, although these will result in slower transfer rates.

    Compatibility Considerations

    Currently, very few devices and computers support Thunderbolt 5. Therefore, users looking to maximize the transfer speed of the Envoy Ultra drive will need to invest in new computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports, such as the Razer Blade 18 2024 available on Amazon.

    The OWC Envoy Ultra is available for preorder in two storage options. The 2TB version is priced at $399.99, while the 4TB version has a price tag of $599.99. Shipments for these models are anticipated to start in late October.

    OWC press release, OWC

    Announcing the Fastest OWC External SSD and Our First Thunderbolt 5 Drive: Envoy Ultra


    Image 1
  • Intel 14th-Gen Desktop Processors Fall Short on Thunderbolt 5 Support

    Intel 14th-Gen Desktop Processors Fall Short on Thunderbolt 5 Support

    Intel has recently unrolled its 14th-generation desktop processors, termed as the Raptor Lake Refresh, to the tech market. Amid the buzz surrounding the launch, a key detail emerged that contrary to initial announcements, these desktop processors will not support the much-anticipated Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This revelation has stirred a discussion among tech enthusiasts and potential buyers, weighing the implications of this missing feature.

    Thunderbolt 5: The Missed Train

    The absence of Thunderbolt 5 support in the 14th-gen desktop processors is significant. Thunderbolt 5 promises a leap in connectivity with a whopping 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth and up to 120Gbps of uni-directional bandwidth. This new standard is especially beneficial for power users and creators who demand high-speed connections for their projects. The technology also boasts support for up to three 4K displays at 144Hz using a single port, showcasing its potential to drastically enhance port capabilities for better performance.

    Implications for Desktop Users

    With the 14th-gen desktop processors missing out on Thunderbolt 5 support, desktop users might find themselves in a bit of a connectivity conundrum. While Thunderbolt 4, with its 40Gbps bandwidth, will remain the default, the lack of Thunderbolt 5 support may deter those looking for cutting-edge connectivity from opting for these new Intel processors. The spotlight now turns to the upcoming laptop processors based on the Meteor Lake architecture, where Thunderbolt 5 support is expected. It’s a wait-and-watch scenario to see how this plays out in the competitive processor market, and how it impacts the choice of both casual users and tech aficionados.

    Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

    The tech community is now keenly eyeing the CES event scheduled in early January, where more details about Thunderbolt 5 and Intel’s Meteor Lake processors are anticipated to be unveiled. It’s here that many new laptops equipped with these processors will likely be announced, marking the debut of Thunderbolt 5 in the Intel processor family. The dialogue around Thunderbolt 5’s absence in the 14th-gen desktop processors reflects a broader discussion on the evolving needs of users and the pressure on tech giants like Intel to keep pace with these demands.

    Intel’s journey with the 14th-gen desktop processors sans Thunderbolt 5 support opens a window into the competitive and fast-evolving world of tech, where staying ahead in the connectivity game is crucial. As we move forward, the decisions made today by tech behemoths will shape the user experiences of tomorrow.

    For further details, you can refer to the original article here.