6/10 Current

Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt
Max Speed
40.00 Gbps
Max Resolution
Dual 4K@60Hz
Power Delivery
100W
Released
2015

Intel's 40 Gbps interface over USB-C, supporting dual 4K displays, eGPUs, and daisy-chaining up to 6 devices. The basis for USB4.

Bandwidth
40 Gbps
Power Delivery 100W

Capabilities

Data ✓
Video ✓
Audio ✓
Power ✓
Ethernet ✓

Future-Proof Analysis

Mature and widely supported on Mac and high-end PC laptops. TB4 and USB4 are superseding it but hardware will work for years.

Compatible Connectors

USB Type-C

Cables

USB-C to USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)

USB Type-C ↔ USB Type-C

Speed Benchmarks

Scenario File Size Theoretical Realistic
Transfer a 1GB file 1.00 GB 0.2s 0.2s
Transfer a 2GB photo album 2.00 GB 0.4s 0.4s
Transfer a 10GB movie 10.00 GB 2.0s 2.2s
Transfer a 25GB game install 25.00 GB 5.0s 5.5s
Transfer a 50GB backup 50.00 GB 10.0s 11.0s
Transfer a 100GB project 100.00 GB 20.0s 22.0s
Transfer a 250GB backup archive 250.00 GB 50.0s 55.0s
Transfer a 500GB drive clone 500.00 GB 100.0s 110.0s
Transfer a 1TB drive image 1000.00 GB 200.0s 220.0s