Intel's Thunderbolt 5 might already be in development, according to the previous image from an Intel official. The now-deleted post revealed that the upcoming Thunderbolt cable will feature high-speed transfer that could reach up to 80Gbps. That is twice the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 4.
Intel Leak Teases Possible Features of Thunderbolt 5
AnandTech first noticed that Gregory Bryant's recent tweet could hint that the chipmaker is now focused on the development of the Thunderbolt 5.
Based on the post of Intel's VP of Client Computing Group, the removed photo displayed some glances about the next-gen USB Type-C technology.
The pictures from Bryant showed what's inside the R&D facilities in Intel's branch in Israel.
Day 1 with the @intel Israel team in the books. Great views…incredible opp to see @GetThunderbolt innovation …a validation lab tour and time with the team…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! pic.twitter.com/GKOddA6TNi
— Gregory M Bryant (@gregorymbryant) August 1, 2021
The image that bears the erased photo said that Thunderbolt 5 will have "80 G PHY Technology." This means that the upcoming version will have 80 Gbps connectivity. This will also complement the ultrafast data-transfer speeds, which would surpass Thunderbolt 4's 40Gbps.
Both Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 share the same set of bandwidths at 40Gbps.
The recent Intel leak could mean that the Thunderbolt 5 could be a big game-changer among the three latest connectivity solutions.
Thunderbolt 5 Could Be Compatible With USB-C Ports
Additionally, the deleted post could mean another approaching feature for Thunderbolt 5. It was said that the poster also displayed possible USB-C support, "USB 80G."
The previous Thunderbolt version is capable of allowing USB-C connections. It is also impressive due to its backward compatibility with much older Thunderbolt variants.
Besides a possible 60Gbps bandwidth speed and USB Type-C connection, the "novel PAM-3 modulation technology" was also mentioned in the leaked Thunderbolt poster. This opens more compelling information about the comparison of PAM-4 and PAM-3, which would hint at limitless bandwidth reach, Laptop Mag wrote.
There is still no official statement from Intel that tells about Thunderbolt 5. The company could have accidentally leaked it so people could be more excited about what's coming next.
Throwback About Thunderbolt 4
Since Intel revealed the details about Thunderbolt 4's launch in July 2020, many people have been astonished by the performance that it could bring.
At that time, Intel said that it was the "most complete" USB-C version that it had created.
The tech giant has an unusual feat in developing this version. Thunderbolt 4 had been successfully incorporated into the Tiger-Lake processor. It also boasted much better storage speed and video display supports.
If you want to know some laptops that support Thunderbolt 4, you could check the Alienware X-series line-up for this year.
Intel's leak this time could somehow be a promising product that people could appreciate upon release. While it's safe to say that there's a high chance of its arrival, we could also say that it would take a few more years before Thunderbolt 5 arrives on the market.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
