Certification

Thunderbolt™ certification is a rigorous process in order to ensure an optimal user experience. Peripheral devices are certified to be compatible with specific operating systems and the devices are not end user upgradeable for additional operating system compatibility.

A Thunderbolt device may not function properly or at all if attempted to be used with an operating system for which the device has not been certified.

Check the product packaging, website and/or contact the peripheral device manufacturer for Thunderbolt operating system compatibility. Users must purchase devices that state Thunderbolt support for their operating system, and install the latest device driver before plugging in the device.

Thunderbolt™ 4 certification requirements include:

  • Double the minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3.
    - Video: Support for two 4K displays or one 8K display.
    - Data: PCIe at 32 Gbps for storage speeds up to 3,000 MBps.
  • Support for docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
  • PC charging on at least one computer port. (For thin-and-light laptops that require less than 100 watts to charge.)
  • Wake your computer from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse when connected to a Thunderbolt dock.
  • Required Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection that helps prevent physical DMA attacks. (Read more in the Thunderbolt Security Brief.)

Technology

Thunderbolt Technology at a Glance

  • Simultaneous bi-directional, 10 Gbps transfers over a single cable
  • Dual-protocol support (PCI Express* and DisplayPort*)
  • Compatible with existing DisplayPort* devices
  • Daisy-chaining devices
  • Choice of electrical or optical cables
  • Low latency with highly accurate time synchronization for professional audio and video applications
  • Uses native protocol software drivers
  • Power-over-cable for bus-powered devices