Tag: Thunderbolt 5

  • Asus ROG XG Mobile 2025: Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Starts at $1,199

    Asus ROG XG Mobile 2025: Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Starts at $1,199

    Key Takeaways

    1. Improved Compatibility: The new ROG XG Mobile (2025) uses Thunderbolt 5, allowing compatibility with more devices beyond the previous XG Mobile connector.

    2. High Transfer Speeds: Thunderbolt 5 provides transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbit/s, enhancing performance for connected devices.

    3. Powerful Graphics Options: The eGPU supports GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5090 models, offering high performance with a significant number of CUDA cores and VRAM.

    4. Launch Date and Pricing: The ROG XG Mobile (2025) will launch on February 25, with prices starting at $1,199.99 for the RTX 5070 Ti and $2,199.99 for the RTX 5090.

    5. Advancements in eGPU Technology: Asus is advancing eGPU technology significantly with the introduction of the ROG XG Mobile (2025).

    The latest version of the ROG XG Mobile series is nearly available, having been showcased last month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. As we pointed out back then, the new ROG XG Mobile marks a significant change in Asus’ approach to eGPUs, which previously depended on their unique XG Mobile connector.

    Improved Compatibility

    This dependence on the XG Mobile meant that Asus’ earlier eGPUs were compatible with only a few devices, one of which was the ROG Ally (currently priced at $399.99 for refurbished units on Amazon). To improve this situation, Asus has introduced Thunderbolt 5 with the new ROG XG Mobile, now named the ROG XG Mobile (2025). Essentially, this means the ROG XG Mobile (2025) can achieve transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbit/s over Thunderbolt 5, while also being compatible with devices that have Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports.

    Powerful Graphics Options

    Asus pairs Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with laptop models of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and GeForce RTX 5090. For context, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti features 5,888 CUDA cores along with 12 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a 192-bit memory bus. On the other hand, the GeForce RTX 5090 boasts 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM (256-bit) and is equipped with the leading GB203 GPU containing 10,496 CUDA cores.

    Launch and Pricing Details

    The ROG XG Mobile (2025) is set to officially release on February 25, starting at a price of $1,199.99 for the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti version. In contrast, the edition with the GeForce RTX 5090 will be available for $2,199.99. Pricing for other regions is still not disclosed at this moment, however.

    Asus, via ITHome, continues to push the boundaries in eGPU technology with these advancements.

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    Asus ROG XG Mobile 2025: Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Starts at $1,199Asus ROG XG Mobile 2025: Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Starts at $1,199
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  • CalDigit Element Thunderbolt 5 Dock: 4x 4K Monitors at 144Hz

    CalDigit Element Thunderbolt 5 Dock: 4x 4K Monitors at 144Hz

    We’ve previously shared news about the accessory brand CalDigit, which has now unveiled an innovative docking solution that utilizes the newest standard. To be more specific, the Element 5 Hub adopts Thunderbolt 5, allowing for a total bandwidth of 120 Gbit/s. As is always the case, the device connected to this hub must be TB5-compatible to enjoy all its features.

    Monitor Compatibility

    On the product page, CalDigit provides information on how many monitors various systems can handle. For example, macOS can’t support three monitors, and a Windows laptop equipped with Thunderbolt 4, rather than Thunderbolt 5, will only manage two external displays. In the best-case scenario, the TB5 docking station can work with a fully compatible Windows PC, enabling connections to as many as four 4K monitors at 144Hz.

    Ports and Power

    This new hub from CalDigit features four USB 4 V 2.0 ports that are compatible with Thunderbolt 5, which also allows for USB Power Delivery up to 15 watts. Users need to connect their monitors through these ports since there’s no HDMI option available. Additionally, there are two USB-C ports capable of transferring data at 10 Gbit/s and outputting up to 7.5 watts, alongside two more USB Type A ports with identical specs, plus an extra USB-A port located on the opposite side. The Thunderbolt 5 dock can provide up to 180 watts, with half of that being deliverable to the connected PC or Mac. Finally, the dimensions of the CalDigit Element 5 Hub are 4.5 x 2.8 x 1 inches, and it comes with a price of $249.

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    CalDigit Element Thunderbolt 5 Dock: 4x 4K Monitors at 144Hz
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  • Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

    Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

    Thunderbolt 5 is still not very common in laptops, with only a few models like the Razer Blade 18 (priced at $2,845 on Amazon) supporting this new standard. For tech lovers considering a new docking station, choosing one that supports TB5 can help them stay ahead. For example, the Sonnet Echo 3 Thunderbolt 5 SSD docking station works with Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 devices, though at slower speeds.

    Impressive Storage and Speed

    The main highlight of the Sonnet dock is its integrated PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, which offers up to 4 TB of storage and can achieve transfer speeds of up to 6,100 MB/s when linked through Thunderbolt 5. If using Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4, users can still get speeds of at least 3,400 MB/s. Notably, this docking station can deliver power to laptops at up to 140 watts, which is enough to support certain gaming laptops, like the HP Omen Transcend 14.

    Multiple Display Support

    The Sonnet Echo 13 dock can manage two 8K monitors or three 4K screens at refresh rates reaching 144 Hz. It comes with three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports (USB-C), where one port can charge devices at 60 watts and the other two provide 15 watts each. Instead of including HDMI and DisplayPort, Sonnet has chosen to incorporate four USB-A ports, a 2.5Gb ethernet port, and an SD/microSD card reader.

    Launch and Pricing Information

    Initially, the Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 Dock will be available in the US. The 1TB SSD version is set at $399.99, the 2TB option is $499.99, and the 4TB model retails for $699.99. Information regarding the TB5 dock’s launch and pricing in other countries has yet to be revealed. For further information, interested buyers can visit the official product page for the Sonnet docking station.

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    Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W PowerSonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

     

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  • Lenovo Exec Suggests Slow Thunderbolt 5 Adoption in Laptops

    Lenovo Exec Suggests Slow Thunderbolt 5 Adoption in Laptops

    Intel first unveiled Thunderbolt 5 in September 2023, but the industry has been slow to adopt the new standard. Things started to change at CES 2025, where manufacturers like Asus and Sparkle showcased their first external GPU (eGPU) solutions that utilize Thunderbolt 5 technology.

    eGPU Advancements

    Asus’s new 2025 XG Mobile eGPU boasts a Thunderbolt 5 link that can deliver up to 64 Gbps of bandwidth, surpassing its predecessor and USB4, while matching the performance of OCuLink. Meanwhile, Sparkle has not disclosed the specific bandwidth for its Thunderbolt 5 port in the Studio-G Enclosure eGPU, but it is widely assumed to reach speeds of up to 120 Gbps, which is the maximum speed for the standard.

    Slow Adoption in Laptops

    Despite the promising launch of these Thunderbolt 5 products, the integration of this technology into laptops has been sluggish. A product manager from Lenovo ThinkBook expressed skepticism about rapid adoption, stating in a Weibo post that it is “still early” for Thunderbolt 5 ports to become common in systems. Currently, a 3.3 feet Cable Matters Thunderbolt 5 cable is priced at $32.99 on Amazon.

    Current Laptop Options

    The 2024 Razer Blade 18 was the first laptop to feature a Thunderbolt 5 port, making its debut in April of last year. Other significant options include the Maingear ML-17 and the Schenker KEY 17 Pro, along with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. According to Lenovo’s executive, these are the primary choices available right now, and it seems that new additions to the market will be limited in the near future.

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  • Asus Master Dock DC510: Sleek Thunderbolt 5 Dock at CES 2025

    Asus Master Dock DC510: Sleek Thunderbolt 5 Dock at CES 2025

    Asus has introduced a fresh docking station during CES 2025, utilizing the new Thunderbolt 5 technology. The Master DC510 Dock features a stylish design and offers a wide range of ports, delivering impressive functionality within a compact size.

    Connectivity Options

    When it comes to expansion docks, the variety of connectivity options is crucial, and the Asus Master dock shines brightly here. It includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports (80 Gbps), three Type-A ports (10 Gbps), one Type-A port (5 Gbps), SD 4.0, MicroSD 4.0, a 2.5 GbE port, and an audio jack. Additionally, an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot is available with easy access that requires no tools. Thanks to its advanced technology, the dock can handle dual 8K monitors at 60 Hz or triple 4K displays at 144 Hz.

    Design Features

    The exterior of the Asus Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock is notably sleek and modern. It combines metal and plastic materials, plus it has a white ambient LED light that can be adjusted for brightness. One of the Thunderbolt 5 ports provides 140-watt passthrough, which is a very useful feature. The dock stands only 38.1 mm tall, making it easy to fit under most monitor stands without any issues.

    Availability and Pricing

    Asus has yet to reveal any specifics about when the dock will be available or its price, but given the impressive features, the Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock DC510 is expected to come with a hefty price tag.

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  • Ugreen Launches 500W Nexode GaN Charger and Thunderbolt 5 Dock at CES 2025

    Ugreen Launches 500W Nexode GaN Charger and Thunderbolt 5 Dock at CES 2025

    CES 2025 is buzzing with excitement as major players in the consumer technology world compete for attention. Ugreen is also making waves by unveiling a series of new products that sound quite appealing. Among their latest offerings is an impressive 500-watt Nexode GaN charger, alongside a new Thunderbolt 5 docking station.

    Nexode 500-Watt Charger

    Kicking things off with the Nexode 500-watt desktop charger, this device can power up to six gadgets at once, including five laptops. TechPowerUp highlights that the use of GaN technology enables the dock to remain compact and easy to fit on your desk, even with its high output. The charger comes with a solid range of ports, featuring a 240-watt Type-C port that supports the USB PD 3.1 standard, four additional Type-C ports that can each deliver 100 watts, and a Type-A port, all combining for a total output of 260 watts at the same time. It will be fascinating to see how Ugreen manages the heat generated by this powerful device.

    Revodok Max 2131 Docking Station

    Next in line is the Revodok Max 2131, which, despite its slightly odd name, presents a stylish design and a wide array of features. Built on the latest Thunderbolt 5 standard, the Revodok includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, each capable of 80 Gbps, as well as two USB-A ports, one 10 Gbps Type-C port, an SD card slot, an RJ-45 port, and an audio jack.

    At the moment, Ugreen has not disclosed any pricing or availability information for these products, but a launch in March seems plausible. Given the impressive features, it’s unlikely that these devices will be available at a discount.

    Portable Options

    If you’re looking for something more portable, consider the Ugreen Nexode 100-watt power bank available on Amazon.

    Source: Link

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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  • 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.

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