A type of USB standard created by IBM and Apple

Thunderbolt Icon

Thunderbolt 1

  • Data transfer of 10Gbps
  • Mini DisplayPort connection
  • Can send PCI data
  • Can send DisplayPort data
  • Can send Ethernet data
  • Supports up to 6 devices on a single port
  • With copper cables, it can extend up to 3m
  • With fiber cables, it can extend to 60m

Thunderbolt 2

Same as thunderbolt 1 except:

  • Data transfer of 20Gbps

Thunderbolt 3

  • USB-C design
  • Runs at 40 Gbps
  • Runs with half the power consumption compared to Thunderbolt 2
  • Can send PCI data
  • Can send DisplayPort data
  • Supports up to 6 devices on a single port
  • With copper cables, it can extend up to 3m
  • With fiber cables, it can extend to 60m