eli5 What is thunderbolt 4? what’s the purpose of thunderbolt cables?
In: 1
There are different types of connectors. An HDMI port looks different from a toslink port which looks different from a USB-A port which looks different from a micro-USB port.
Thunderbolt uses a USB-C connection, so it looks identical to any USB-C cable. Thunderbolt specifically though can carry more data, something like 2x that of a normal USB-C cable, and likely different support for external monitors.
If you get a cable rated for Thunderbolt 3/4, it will work for USB-C data purposes as well.
There are different types of USB-C cables as well. There are some that are for power/charging only. And sometimes a USB-C that can carry both power and data won’t work for only charging purposes. I have a USB-C chargeable LED video light, and my MacBook USB-C cable will not charge it.
Latest Answers