Usb C Vs Thunderbolt 3
USB-C is the connector type and thunderbolt 3 refers to the capabilities of the connection.This is why you used to have thunderbolt 2 over a mini-displayport connector. The two are independent and you could implement thunderbolt 3 over a different connector type and vice versa i.e USB-C cable that isn't thunderbolt 3 capable.A USB-C Thunderbolt 3 dock is required if you wish to run multiple things through a single USB-C port on your new macbook such as a couple on monitors, power, usb devices, ethernet etc. Click to expand.Essentially, Thunderbolt 3 is a different protocol from USB. It can run over the USB-C connector because the USB-C standard supports so called alternate modes. Thunderbolt 3 is such an alternate mode. It supports high-bandwidth applications such HDMI video transmission.
One thing is clear: The showdown between USB 3.0 vs Thunderbolt isn't over. And as much as their respective proponents deny that the two interfaces even compete, we think both are headed for a.
To add to the confusion, there is also a separate HDMI alternate mode, but it only supports HDMI 1.4 (while Thunderbolt supports HDMI 2.0). You have to carefully check the capabilities of the particular dock you're interested in, but generally speaking Thunderbolt 3 docks are more powerful (but also usually quite a bit more expensive). USB 3.1 implements the power delivery to computer of 100W, 10 Gps USB communication (with USB 3.0 and 2.0 comparability).Spend some time on this TB-3 faq.For your question this entry is usefulWhat is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C?Thunderbolt 3 is a superset solution which includes USB 3.1 (10Gbps), and adds 40Gbps Thunderbolt and DisplayPort 1.2 from a single USB-C port. This enables any dock, display, or data device to connect to a Thunderbolt 3 port, fulfilling the promise of the USB-C connector.
See more information on theSo a TB-3 dock adds support the 40 Gps sec TB-3 protocol and DP 1.2. This allows the use of high-resolution daisy chained monitors, etc.Result is TB-3 dock = TB USB 3.1 dock + TB-3 feature support. Damn, I have never seen so many words spent not answering a question by trying to answer the question using a whole bunch of buzzwords and terminology.Long story short, if you plan on running a 4K display from the dock then you should get yourself a thunderbolt 3 dock. If all you want to do is add a dock that will act more as a port replicator (adding some usb 3.x connectors, a ethernet connector, smart card reader, etc.) then save your money and buy yourself a USB-C dock.The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 dock that everyone is talking about will set you back almost $500 (rumor has it) a USB-C dock from OWC will set you back about $179. Click to expand.USB3-C doesn't exist. There is Thunderbolt and there is USB. There is also USB-C but this is only a connector and cable which can be used to carry either Thunderbolt or USB.
Currently all USB-C docks are in fact merely USB docks so they don't use Thunderbolt 3.The difference between USB and Thunderbolt can be quite big. The biggest difference is usage. Thunderbolt is also a more robust protocol meant for high speed data transfers (it has a higher bandwidth, lower latency and some other nifty stuff) whereas USB has been used for simple peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printers, etc.) and has been beefed up over the years (it now goes up to 10Gbps but it doesn't have the low latency Thunderbolt has). Because of this USB is quite simple and cheap whereas Thunderbolt is complex and expensive. You'd generally use USB for simple devices that any consumer would use and use Thunderbolt for more high end devices that professionals and demanding consumers would use.
If you'd need a comparison: it's a simple 2,5' disk vs a 5-disk (or even more) RAID array.So long story short: you'd get a Thunderbolt 3 dock when you need those higher speeds and/or when you want something robust. That's usually the case when you have something like a RAID cabinet, 4k 60Hz display (or even 5k), high end A/V devices, etc. If you don't have any of those you'd simply get the USB dock because it will work fine at a lower cost.One thing to add: currently there are more USB versions than Thunderbolt 3 versions available so that would be one more reason to buy the USB version. Or a reason to wait a little. Click to expand.That was a choice made by the dock creators. The USB Power Delivery specification supports up to 100 W. The following is from the USB group, there is no requirement for any dock to implement these features, but the spec defines them is they are implemented.USB Power Delivery offers the following features:.
Increased power levels from existing USB standards up to 100W. Power direction is no longer fixed. This enables the product with the power (Host or Peripheral) to provide the power. Optimize power management across multiple peripherals by allowing each device to take only the power it requires, and to get more power when required for a given application. Intelligent and flexible system level management of power via optional hub communication with the PC. Allows low power cases such as headsets to negotiate for only the power they require. That was a choice made by the dock creators.
The USB Power Delivery specification supports up to 100 W. The following is from the USB group, there is no requirement for any dock to implement these features, but the spec defines them is they are implemented.USB Power Delivery offers the following features:. Increased power levels from existing USB standards up to 100W. Power direction is no longer fixed. This enables the product with the power (Host or Peripheral) to provide the power.
Optimize power management across multiple peripherals by allowing each device to take only the power it requires, and to get more power when required for a given application. Intelligent and flexible system level management of power via optional hub communication with the PC. Allows low power cases such as headsets to negotiate for only the power they require. Click to expand.Good question. It seems that the LG UltraFine 5K can deliver more power so perhaps they are targeting the 4K for lower power requirement systems. From the 5K description on the Apple site:A single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included) provides up to 85W of charging power to your MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
And three downstream USB-C ports (5 Gbps) offer additional connectivity and power to compatible devices and accessories.Connect the UltraFine 5K Display to your MacBook Pro via an included Thunderbolt 3 cable, which supports 5K video, audio, and data simultaneously — all while supplying up to 85W of charging power to your MacBook Pro. And with seamless macOS integration, you can control volume and brightness on your 5K display without the need for physical buttons.For me power from the monitor, and the monitor acting as the hub, is the design I have been waiting for, and show the real reason to have USB-C. One port to rule them all. Click to expand.The USB power deliver spec defines different levels of voltage and current requirements. To get to the 45-60W you need to have 20V @ 2.25-3.0 A. To get to 100 W you need to have 20V @ 5.0 A.
Usb C Vs Thunderbolt 3 Hub
My guess is that power supplies that provide 20V @3A are more readily available and cheaper since this is real close to what a lot of lower/mid end PCs use (19.5 @ 3.35). And when you move up 20V @ 5A you are into a lower quantity unit that is more costly to supply. Also, anyone looking for a specialty product like a 5K monitor with a dock is more likely to have the top end 15 new MBP and has the budget.So IMHO, what you see is combination of higher component prices and market segmentation.
Thunderbolt 3 Vs Usb 3.1
What is Thunderbolt 3? What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3? What Thunderbolt 3 adapters and docks are available?Thunderbolt 3 is a new connectivity standard that replaces Thunderbolt 2. Thunderbolt 3 provides a theoretical maximum throughput of 40 Gbps, which is double the speed of the previous standard. Thunderbolt 3 also is symmetrical and reversible.
As a result, you no longer have to worry about whether or not a connector is right side up or upside down before plugging a cable into the notebook.There seems to be a great deal of confusion about the difference between Thunderbolt 3. No doubt this at least partially is because the ports look identical apart from the 'traditional' three prong USB logo on USB-C cables and the 'Lightning Bolt' logo on Thunderbolt 3 cables.The simplest explanation is that USB-C refers to the shape of the port and Thunderbolt 3 refers to the connectivity standard.
Thunderbolt 3 combines Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort and power via a single USB-C connector.So, a Thunderbolt 3 device is connected to a 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro using the Thunderbolt 3 standard via a USB-C shaped port. Hardware commonly referred to as 'USB-C devices' also will work with a Thunderbolt 3 port, but they will not be able to take advantage of the maximum speed provided by Thunderbolt 3 devices.For more details, you also may find this Intel video helpful.
Intel also provides a full fledged if you want to dive deeper into the Thunderbolt 3 standard.USB-C & Thunderbolt 3 AdaptersThe full range of Apple and third-party will work with the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models.In addition to, this includes the (MJ1M2AM/A), (MJ1K2AM/A), and (MJ1L2AM/A) to connect USB-A, HDMI, and VGA to compatible Apple notebooks.Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter)The 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models also support the (MMEL2AM/A), which allows you to connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices and displays to the notebook.Site sponsor sells all these Apple adapters.Thunderbolt 3 DockIf you have additional connectivity needs or would prefer the convenience of an all-in-one solution, you might also like to consider the from site sponsor.Photo Credit: OWC, Inc.