Unleash the Power of Thunderbolt 3 with GIGABYTE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Thunderbolt 3
2. Benefits of Thunderbolt 3
3. Thunderbolt 3 Compatible Motherboards
4. Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Storage Options
5. Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Graphics Enhancement
6. Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Connectivity Expansion
7. Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Networking Solutions
8. Future Thunderbolt 3 Devices from Gigabyte
9. Introduction to a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD Device
10. Benchmark Results: Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD vs Regular SSD

Introduction to Thunderbolt 3

In this article, we will explore the new protocol called Thunderbolt 3. We'll discuss its features, benefits, and the devices that are compatible with this technology. Thunderbolt 3 is a protocol provided by Intel that allows for the transfer of data and video signals over the same wire. Unlike previous generations, Thunderbolt 3 now uses the USB Type-C connector, which is smaller and reversible, making it more convenient for users. With Thunderbolt 3, users can transfer data at speeds of up to 32 gigabits per Second.

Benefits of Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt 3 offers several advantages over its predecessors. Firstly, it provides faster data transfer speeds, thanks to its connection to PCIe gen3 x4. With speeds of up to 32 gigabits per second, Thunderbolt 3 is significantly faster than previous versions. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 supports DisplayPort, making it suitable for connecting 4K monitors. Another major benefit of Thunderbolt 3 is its ability to daisy-chain devices, allowing users to connect multiple devices using a single wire and eliminating clutter on their desks. Thunderbolt 3 also supports USB 3.1, the latest generation of USB, which offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. Furthermore, Thunderbolt 3 devices can deliver up to 36 watts of power, making it possible to charge devices quickly.

Thunderbolt 3 Compatible Motherboards

Gigabyte offers a range of motherboards that support Thunderbolt 3. One such motherboard is the Z170X-UD5 TH, which features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports on its rear I/O. This motherboard supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second and allows users to daisy-chain up to 12 devices. Other Gigabyte motherboards that support Thunderbolt 3 include the Z170X-Gaming G1, Z170X-Gaming GT, and Z170X-Gaming 7. These motherboards come equipped with the Intel Alpine Ridge controller and can be upgraded to Thunderbolt 3 via a BIOS update.

Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Storage Options

One of the most common devices that can be connected to systems with Thunderbolt 3 is storage devices. These devices can include HDDs, SSDs, M.2 PCIe devices, and PCIe SSDs. By using Thunderbolt 3, users can increase their storage space and enjoy fast data access and quick backup solutions. Intel's 750 series PCIe SSD is a popular choice, providing lightning-fast transfer speeds thanks to its PCIe connectivity and nvme technology. These SSDs can offer sequential read speeds of up to 2687 megabytes per second and write speeds of up to 1230 megabytes per second.

Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Graphics Enhancement

For users looking to enhance their graphics performance, Thunderbolt 3 offers the ability to connect GPU dock stations. These dock stations can accommodate one or two graphics cards in SLI or Crossfire configuration, providing faster frame rates and better graphics quality in games and graphic-intensive applications. By utilizing Thunderbolt 3's high-speed connection, users can enjoy a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.

Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Connectivity Expansion

Another useful application of Thunderbolt 3 is its compatibility with USB 3.1 hubs. With Thunderbolt 3's 40-gigabit-per-second bandwidth, users can connect a hub with multiple USB 3.1 ports, providing extra connectivity options. This is particularly beneficial for users who require additional USB ports for peripherals like keyboards, mice, MIDI devices, and more.

Thunderbolt 3 Devices: Networking Solutions

Thunderbolt 3 also offers networking devices that utilize 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) technology. This allows for fast networking connectivity between devices, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to upgrade their network infrastructure without replacing existing cabling. Gigabyte is also working on releasing Thunderbolt 3-based network devices in the near future.

Future Thunderbolt 3 Devices from Gigabyte

Gigabyte has exciting plans for future Thunderbolt 3 devices, although details cannot be revealed at this time. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and product releases from Gigabyte to discover the latest advancements in Thunderbolt 3 technology.

Introduction to a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD Device

One of the Thunderbolt 3 devices available on the market is the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD device from Acadia. This device utilizes dual Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, offering high transfer speeds for storage applications. Inside the device, an Intel 750 series PCIe SSD provides lightning-fast data transfer rates, ideal for backups, quick access to data, and improved loading times in games and software.

Benchmark Results: Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD vs Regular SSD

To demonstrate the superior performance of the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD, we conducted benchmark tests comparing it to a regular SSD. Using CrystalMark, we measured the sequential read and write speeds, as well as random read and write speeds of both devices. The Thunderbolt 3 PCIe SSD outperformed the regular SSD in all categories, achieving more than double the speeds. This significant increase in speed is beneficial for backups, quick data access, and improved performance in games and graphic-intensive applications.

Conclusion

Thunderbolt 3 is an advanced protocol that offers numerous benefits, including fast data transfer speeds, display support, daisy-chaining capabilities, USB 3.1 compatibility, and power delivery. Gigabyte's Thunderbolt 3 compatible motherboards and a range of Thunderbolt 3 devices provide users with enhanced storage, graphics, connectivity, and networking solutions. With future Thunderbolt 3 devices on the horizon, this technology is set to revolutionize the way we connect and interact with our devices.

Highlights

• Thunderbolt 3 is a protocol provided by Intel that allows for the transfer of data and video signals over the same wire.
• Thunderbolt 3 offers faster data transfer speeds of up to 32 gigabits per second.
• Thunderbolt 3 supports DisplayPort, making it suitable for connecting 4K monitors.
• Thunderbolt 3 allows for daisy-chaining multiple devices, eliminating clutter.
• Thunderbolt 3 supports USB 3.1, offering speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.
• Thunderbolt 3 can deliver up to 36 watts of power to connected devices.
• Gigabyte offers a range of Thunderbolt 3 compatible motherboards, including the Z170X-UD5 TH and Z170X-Gaming series.
• Thunderbolt 3 devices include storage options such as HDDs, SSDs, and PCIe SSDs.
• Thunderbolt 3 can enhance graphics performance through GPU dock stations.
• Thunderbolt 3 supports connectivity expansion with USB 3.1 hubs.
• Thunderbolt 3 provides networking solutions with 10GbE-based devices.
• Gigabyte has plans for future Thunderbolt 3 devices to be released.

FAQ

Q: What is Thunderbolt 3? A: Thunderbolt 3 is a protocol provided by Intel that allows for the transfer of data and video signals over the same wire.

Q: What are the benefits of Thunderbolt 3? A: Thunderbolt 3 offers faster data transfer speeds, display support, daisy-chaining capabilities, USB 3.1 compatibility, and power delivery.

Q: Which motherboards are compatible with Thunderbolt 3? A: Gigabyte offers a range of Thunderbolt 3 compatible motherboards, including the Z170X-UD5 TH and Z170X-Gaming series.

Q: What devices can be connected to Thunderbolt 3? A: Thunderbolt 3 devices include storage options, graphics enhancement solutions, connectivity expansion hubs, and networking devices.

Q: Are future Thunderbolt 3 devices being developed? A: Gigabyte has plans for future Thunderbolt 3 devices, with more information to be announced in the future.