What To Know
- This means that you can connect multiple devices to a single Thunderbolt 3 port, such as an external display, a storage drive, and a graphics card.
- Can I use a Thunderbolt 3 device with a PCI Express 3.
- No, you cannot use a Thunderbolt 3 device with a PCI Express 3.
When it comes to connecting high-performance devices to your computer, Thunderbolt 3 and PCI Express 3.0 are two of the most popular options. Both offer high bandwidth and low latency, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will compare Thunderbolt 3 vs PCI Express 3.0 and help you decide which one is right for you.
Speed and Bandwidth
Thunderbolt 3 and PCI Express 3.0 both offer high bandwidth, but Thunderbolt 3 has a slight edge. Thunderbolt 3 supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, while PCI Express 3.0 supports speeds of up to 32 Gbps. This means that Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data faster than PCI Express 3.0, especially for large files and high-resolution videos.
Latency
Latency is the amount of time it takes for data to travel between two devices. Lower latency is better, as it means that devices can communicate with each other more quickly. Thunderbolt 3 has lower latency than PCI Express 3.0, making it a better choice for applications that require real-time data transfer, such as gaming and video editing.
Versatility
Thunderbolt 3 is more versatile than PCI Express 3.0. It can be used to connect a wide variety of devices, including external storage, displays, and graphics cards. PCI Express 3.0 is primarily used to connect internal components, such as graphics cards and solid-state drives.
Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 3 can deliver up to 100 watts of power, while PCI Express 3.0 can only deliver up to 75 watts. This means that Thunderbolt 3 can power more devices, such as laptops and external monitors.
Daisy Chaining
Daisy chaining is the ability to connect multiple devices to a single port. Thunderbolt 3 supports daisy chaining, while PCI Express 3.0 does not. This means that you can connect multiple devices to a single Thunderbolt 3 port, such as an external display, a storage drive, and a graphics card.
Price
Thunderbolt 3 is more expensive than PCI Express 3.0. Thunderbolt 3 cables and devices typically cost more than PCI Express 3.0 cables and devices.
Which One is Right for You?
Thunderbolt 3 is the better choice if you need high bandwidth, low latency, and versatility. It is ideal for connecting external storage, displays, graphics cards, and other high-performance devices. PCI Express 3.0 is a good choice if you need high bandwidth and low latency at a lower cost. It is ideal for connecting internal components, such as graphics cards and solid-state drives.
The Bottom Line: Thunderbolt 3 vs PCI Express 3.0
Thunderbolt 3 and PCI Express 3.0 are both high-performance interfaces with their own strengths and weaknesses. Thunderbolt 3 offers higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more versatility, but it is more expensive. PCI Express 3.0 offers lower cost and is ideal for connecting internal components. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4?
A: Thunderbolt 4 is the latest version of Thunderbolt, and it offers several improvements over Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 4 supports speeds of up to 40 Gbps, compared to 32 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3. It also supports daisy chaining of up to 8 devices, compared to 6 devices for Thunderbolt 3.
Q: Can I use a Thunderbolt 3 device with a PCI Express 3.0 port?
A: No, you cannot use a Thunderbolt 3 device with a PCI Express 3.0 port. Thunderbolt 3 and PCI Express 3.0 use different connectors and protocols.
Q: Which is better for gaming, Thunderbolt 3 or PCI Express 3.0?
A: Thunderbolt 3 is better for gaming than PCI Express 3.0. Thunderbolt 3 has lower latency and can support higher refresh rates, which is important for gaming.
Q: Can I use a PCI Express 3.0 graphics card with a Thunderbolt 3 port?
A: Yes, you can use a PCI Express 3.0 graphics card with a Thunderbolt 3 port using an adapter. However, you will not get the full performance of the graphics card, as Thunderbolt 3 has a lower bandwidth than PCI Express 3.0.
Q: Which is better for video editing, Thunderbolt 3 or PCI Express 3.0?
A: Thunderbolt 3 is better for video editing than PCI Express 3.0. Thunderbolt 3 has higher bandwidth and lower latency, which is important for transferring large video files and editing high-resolution videos.
