Thunderbolt 2 Vs Firewire 800 | Is Thunderbolt Better? However, the benefit of using Thunderbolt over Firewire, USB 3.0, and even USB 3.1 is staggering. Because Thunderbolt is newer technology compared to Firewire (and is still in the process of rapidly evolving), Thunderbolt devices can still be somewhat pricey compared to Firewire and USB devices. Many audio and video professionals already own Firewire devices, and many audio and video devices are still being produced with Firewire connectors, but these Firewire devices are primarily switching over to Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt can be daisy chained with up to six Thunderbolt devices of varying types, from external hard drives, to high-end audio interfaces, to high-definition monitors, to hubs, to docks, to expansion chassis, etc.

Thunderbolt solves computer cable clutter issues which can be increasingly more annoying with an increase in computer devices. Thunderbolt is made to losslessly daisy chain up to 6 devices, and can also provide up to 10 watts of power to those devices (Thunderbolt 3 will offer 15 to 100 watts of power). Thunderbolt is the latest technology for connecting external devices to your PC, and is replacing Firewire (1394) as the standard connection for audio recording interfaces and pro video devices. Let's take a look at what makes USB, Thunderbolt, and Display Port connectors similar and what makes them different from one another. Recent device connectors and soon to be released connectors we discuss in this article include the following:ĭisplay Port (also called DP) is used primarily for video output, but Display Port connectors are now being paired up with Thunderbolt and USB to offer lightning fast data (and even power connections) for a myriad of external devices. How do all the various PC connectors compare and what are they designed for? The number of PC connections that have come out in the last few years is dizzying. Thunderbolt, Firewire, and USB Speeds and Capabilities Should I Use a Thunderbolt to Firewire (1394) Adapter? USB (and Display Port) What Is Thunderbolt?ĭaisy Chaining Thunderbolt, Firewire, and USB If you have any questions feel free to contact us.Īrticle Date: 06-11-2015 Thunderbolt vs. Warning: Technology changes very quickly so it is always recommended that you look at the date when the article was last updated.

Usb 2 vs usb 3 port on computer