Thunderbolt 2 is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way we connect devices and transfer data. With its incredible speed and versatility, it’s no wonder that many users are eager to explore the possibilities of this powerful interface. But what can you plug into Thunderbolt 2? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Thunderbolt 2-compatible devices and explore the various options available to you.
Understanding Thunderbolt 2
Before we dive into the list of compatible devices, it’s essential to understand the basics of Thunderbolt 2. This technology is a high-speed interface that uses the same connector as Mini DisplayPort to transfer data, display video, and supply power to devices. Thunderbolt 2 offers speeds of up to 20 Gbps, making it one of the fastest interfaces available.
Key Features of Thunderbolt 2
- Speed: Up to 20 Gbps
- Display Support: Up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz
- Power Delivery: Up to 100W
- Daisy-Chaining: Supports up to 6 devices in a chain
Peripherals and Accessories
Thunderbolt 2 is not just limited to storage devices and displays. You can also connect a range of peripherals and accessories to enhance your workflow and productivity.
External Hard Drives and SSDs
- LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt: A rugged and portable external hard drive with speeds of up to 10 Gbps
- Western Digital My Book Thunderbolt Duo: A high-capacity external hard drive with speeds of up to 10 Gbps
- OWC ThunderBay IV: A high-performance external SSD with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
Displays and Monitors
- Apple Thunderbolt Display: A 27-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Dell UltraSharp U2713HM: A 27-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels
- HP Z27i: A 27-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels
Audio Interfaces and Speakers
- Universal Audio Apollo: A high-end audio interface with speeds of up to 10 Gbps
- PreSonus AudioBox iOne: A compact audio interface with speeds of up to 10 Gbps
- Genelec M040: A pair of active monitor speakers with clear and accurate sound reproduction
Storage Solutions
Thunderbolt 2 is ideal for storage solutions that require high-speed data transfer. Here are some options available:
RAID Arrays
- Promise Pegasus2 R8: An 8-bay RAID array with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
- OWC ThunderBay 4: A 4-bay RAID array with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
- LaCie 8big Thunderbolt 2: An 8-bay RAID array with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
SSD Storage
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G: A high-performance SSD with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
- Samsung 850 PRO: A high-performance SSD with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
- LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2: A compact SSD storage solution with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
Networking and Connectivity
Thunderbolt 2 can also be used for networking and connectivity solutions.
Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet Adapters
- Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: A compact adapter that connects your Thunderbolt 2 device to a Gigabit Ethernet network
- OWC Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet Adapter: A compact adapter that connects your Thunderbolt 2 device to a Gigabit Ethernet network
Thunderbolt 2 to Fibre Channel Adapters
- ATTO ThunderLink FC 2162: A high-performance adapter that connects your Thunderbolt 2 device to a Fibre Channel network
- Promise SANLink2 FC 16G: A high-performance adapter that connects your Thunderbolt 2 device to a Fibre Channel network
In conclusion, Thunderbolt 2 is a powerful and versatile interface that offers a wide range of possibilities for connecting devices and transferring data. From storage solutions and displays to peripherals and networking solutions, the options available are vast and varied. Whether you’re a creative professional or a business user, Thunderbolt 2 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their devices.
What is Thunderbolt 2 and how does it differ from Thunderbolt 1?
Thunderbolt 2 is a hardware interface developed by Intel that allows for faster data transfer speeds and higher resolution display capabilities compared to its predecessor, Thunderbolt 1. Thunderbolt 2 has a maximum data transfer speed of 20 Gbps, which is twice as fast as Thunderbolt 1. This makes it ideal for applications that require high-speed data transfer, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
In addition to its faster data transfer speeds, Thunderbolt 2 also supports higher resolution displays, including 4K and 5K resolutions. This makes it a popular choice for professionals who require high-resolution displays for their work. Thunderbolt 2 is also backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 devices, making it easy to upgrade to the newer technology.
What types of devices are compatible with Thunderbolt 2?
Thunderbolt 2 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including external hard drives, solid-state drives, and RAID arrays. These devices can be used to expand storage capacity, back up data, and improve overall system performance. Thunderbolt 2 is also compatible with high-resolution displays, including 4K and 5K monitors, which can be used to create a multi-display setup.
In addition to storage devices and displays, Thunderbolt 2 is also compatible with other types of devices, such as audio interfaces, video capture devices, and docking stations. These devices can be used to expand the functionality of a computer system and improve overall productivity. Thunderbolt 2 devices can be daisy-chained together, allowing users to connect multiple devices to a single Thunderbolt 2 port.
How do I connect a Thunderbolt 2 device to my computer?
To connect a Thunderbolt 2 device to your computer, you will need a Thunderbolt 2 cable and a Thunderbolt 2 port on your computer. The Thunderbolt 2 cable is a bi-directional cable that can be used to connect devices in either direction. Simply connect one end of the cable to the Thunderbolt 2 port on your computer and the other end to the Thunderbolt 2 port on the device.
Once the device is connected, your computer should automatically recognize it and install any necessary drivers. You can then use the device as you would any other external device. If you are daisy-chaining multiple devices together, make sure to connect them in the correct order, with the device that requires the most bandwidth closest to the computer.
Can I use a Thunderbolt 2 device with a computer that only has a Thunderbolt 1 port?
Yes, you can use a Thunderbolt 2 device with a computer that only has a Thunderbolt 1 port. Thunderbolt 2 devices are backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 ports, which means that they can be used with computers that only have Thunderbolt 1 ports. However, the data transfer speed will be limited to the speed of the Thunderbolt 1 port, which is 10 Gbps.
To use a Thunderbolt 2 device with a Thunderbolt 1 port, simply connect the device to the port using a Thunderbolt cable. The device should work normally, but you may not be able to take full advantage of its features. For example, you may not be able to use the device to connect a 4K display, since Thunderbolt 1 ports do not support 4K resolutions.
Can I use a Thunderbolt 2 device with a computer that has a USB-C port?
Yes, you can use a Thunderbolt 2 device with a computer that has a USB-C port, but you will need an adapter. Thunderbolt 2 devices use a Mini DisplayPort connector, while USB-C ports use a different type of connector. To connect a Thunderbolt 2 device to a USB-C port, you will need a Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C adapter.
Once you have the adapter, simply connect the Thunderbolt 2 device to the adapter and the adapter to the USB-C port on your computer. The device should work normally, but you may need to install drivers or software to use it with your computer. Not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 2, so make sure to check your computer’s specifications before purchasing an adapter.
What are the benefits of using Thunderbolt 2 devices?
The benefits of using Thunderbolt 2 devices include faster data transfer speeds, higher resolution display capabilities, and increased productivity. Thunderbolt 2 devices can transfer data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps, which is faster than USB 3.0 and other types of interfaces. This makes them ideal for applications that require high-speed data transfer, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
In addition to their faster data transfer speeds, Thunderbolt 2 devices also support higher resolution displays, including 4K and 5K resolutions. This makes them a popular choice for professionals who require high-resolution displays for their work. Thunderbolt 2 devices can also be daisy-chained together, allowing users to connect multiple devices to a single Thunderbolt 2 port. This can help to increase productivity and reduce clutter.