Tech hardware site AnandTech has been putting Thunderbolt through its paces using Windows and one of the first PC motherboards to support the Thunderbolt specification. The testing shows that most Thunderbolt storage will work off the shelf with the new motherboard. This is a significant development as it indicates a growing compatibility between Thunderbolt technology and Windows-based systems, which have traditionally lagged behind Apple’s ecosystem in adopting this high-speed interface.
AnandTech was also able to get Apple’s Thunderbolt Display working. However, a few things don’t yet fully function on the Apple Display, such as brightness controls and USB support. This partial functionality highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving seamless integration between hardware developed for different operating systems. Despite these issues, the ability to use the Thunderbolt Display on a Windows machine is a promising step forward.
Hot Plugging and Driver Updates
Hot plugging, the feature that allows you to swap Thunderbolt components without shutting down the system, also didn’t work in the tests. This is a crucial feature for many users who rely on the flexibility and convenience of being able to connect and disconnect devices on the fly. However, Intel has contacted AnandTech to explain that:
“updated drivers for Windows certified Thunderbolt devices that will enable hot plugging under Windows as well as address some of the behavior we’ve seen. Intel further informed us that MSI’s board has not yet made it through the certification process and a lot of these teething issues will hopefully be addressed by then.”
This statement from Intel is reassuring as it suggests that the current limitations are temporary and will be resolved with future driver updates. The certification process for Thunderbolt devices is rigorous, and once MSI’s board completes this process, users can expect a more stable and fully functional experience.
The Evolution of Thunderbolt Technology
Thunderbolt, once codenamed Light Peak, was developed by Intel and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple. It provides an interface for connecting peripheral devices to a computer via an expansion bus. Thunderbolt technology combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort (DP) into a single connection, allowing for high-speed data transfer and video output through the same port. This dual functionality makes Thunderbolt a versatile and powerful interface for a wide range of applications.
Initially, Thunderbolt was primarily adopted by Apple, appearing in their MacBook Pro and iMac lines. However, its high performance and versatility have led to increasing interest from the PC market. The ability to daisy-chain multiple devices, such as storage drives, monitors, and other peripherals, through a single port is particularly appealing for users with complex setups.
As Thunderbolt continues to evolve, we can expect to see broader adoption across different platforms and devices. The introduction of Thunderbolt 3, which uses the USB-C connector, has further expanded its compatibility and convenience. Thunderbolt 3 offers even higher data transfer rates, up to 40 Gbps, and supports power delivery, allowing a single cable to handle data, video, and power simultaneously.
In conclusion, while there are still some hurdles to overcome, the progress made in integrating Thunderbolt technology with Windows systems is encouraging. With ongoing driver updates and the completion of the certification process for new motherboards, users can look forward to a more seamless and versatile computing experience. The collaboration between Intel and various hardware manufacturers continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with Thunderbolt, making it an exciting technology to watch in the coming years.
Source: The Verge : AnandTech
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