USBCThunderbolt

USBCThunderbolt is a colloquial designation for USB-C ports and cables that carry Thunderbolt signals, specifically Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4, over the USB-C connector. It is distinct from a generic USB-C port that provides only USB data, power delivery, and basic display protocols. Thunderbolt ports on USB-C are compatible with USB4, though individual capabilities depend on the device and cable.

Thunderbolt 3, introduced in 2015–2016, provides up to 40 Gbps of bandwidth and combines PCIe data with DisplayPort video and up to 100 watts of power delivery. Thunderbolt 4, announced in 2020, maintains the same 40 Gbps bandwidth but introduces higher minimum performance and security requirements, and it supports daisy-chaining multiple devices. Both versions use the USB-C connector and are compatible with USB-C ports that also support USB4, with the appropriate cables and controllers.

Compatibility and cables are central to USBCThunderbolt. Not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt-capable; TB-enabled ports are typically labeled with a thunderbolt symbol. Thunderbolt is interoperable with USB devices and displays, but achieving full performance often requires Thunderbolt-certified cables. Cable type matters: longer runs may require active cables to sustain 40 Gbps.

Common use cases include external graphics processing units, high-speed external storage, docking stations, and multi-monitor setups. Thunderbolt ports enable daisy-chaining several devices and can deliver sufficient power for charging laptops in some configurations.

Terminology around USBCThunderbolt is informal. The official terms are Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 over USB-C, or Thunderbolt over USB-C, with devices and cables certified by the Thunderbolt program.