We all must have heard of Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort cables. These two are the most popular cables or ports used today.
Thunderbolt 3 comes with newer computers like the latest MacBook and DisplayPort used to connect a video source to a monitor or TV.
Today we will clear the doubt about whether these two cables or ports are the same or not.
First, we are going to take a look at some of the specifications of these 2 types of cables or connection types, then I am going to discuss the similarities between these two.
Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 is very similar to USB type C and they look identical. Their connector or the connection port is exactly the same.
You must be wondering, why the USB type C is different from the thunderbolt 3 port right? Although it may look identical, there is a big difference between their performance.
USB C can handle data transfers, video playback, and power supply and the Thunderbolt 3 can do all of this, but in a much more efficient and effective manner.
Thunderbolt 3 puts an end to the performance issue by providing high resolution and a single cable power connection to the users.
If you want a solid performance with no lag or jitter, then you should go with Thunderbolt 3 if your computer has support for it.
Specifications
- Provides up to 40 GBPS of bandwidth.
- Supports two 4K displays at once at 60 Hz and also supports a single display up to 5K at 60 Hz.
- Thunderbolt 3 is also compatible with the DisplayPort 1.2 display using a connector.
- Thunderbolt 3 uses the same connector that is used by USB type C.
- Thunderbolt 3 supports daisy-chaining of up to 6 devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.
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DisplayPort
The DisplayPort is designed to replace the VGA, DVI cables, and connectors. This is a digital display interface that is used to connect a video source to a display output like a monitor or a TV.
DisplayPorts are capable of carrying audio, video, and other types of data. These cables and connections are widely used to connect to a regular monitor, TV, or even a gaming console.
Specifications
- DisplayPort cables use a 20 pin connector.
- It is capable of transmitting audio signals.
- DisplayPort 1.2 is capable of playing 4k video at 75 HZ.
- DisplayPort 1.4 is capable of playing 8k videos at 60 HZ.
- Compatible with almost every modern display output system.
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Is Thunderbolt 3 the same as DisplayPort?
These ports have nothing in common and they are not the same at all. They have different shapes, different connectors, and even different purposes.
If you want a lag-free or jitter-free smooth experience, then you need to go with Thunderbolt 3 that is supported by any modern computer especially with the latest MacBook and Windows laptops.
If you want to connect your video source or your PC’s graphics card output with a monitor or TV, then you need to use the DisplayPort cable or DisplayPort connection.
