Intel's Blunder: Raptor Lake Refresh Processors Won't Support Thunderbolt 5

October 21, 2023

{Intel 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh Core i3 CPUs Will Stick To Quad ...}

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Intel recently made a significant blunder with the launch of its Raptor Lake Refresh range of desktop processors. Initially, the company stated that these 14th-gen chips would support Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity. However, Intel has now issued a correction, clarifying that the desktop processors in the 14th Gen family will not support Thunderbolt 5.

The Correction and Analysis

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Intel’s correction statement, flagged up by Tom’s Hardware, confirms that while some processors in the Intel Core 14th Gen family will include Thunderbolt 5 support, the desktop processors specifically will not. This blunder is an eye-opening mistake for Intel’s launch announcement.

Which Processors Will Support Thunderbolt 5?

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With the desktop CPUs excluded from Thunderbolt 5 support, it raises the question of which processors will actually have this capability. It is likely that Intel is referring to the other family of chips launching in December, alongside Raptor Lake Refresh, known as Meteor Lake.

Thunderbolt 5 and its Availability

{Intel: "Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs Miss Thunderbolt 5 Support"}

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Thunderbolt 5 is a highly anticipated connectivity feature due to its blazing-fast speeds. However, it was only recently announced, and devices using this standard won’t be available until 2024. So, there is still some time before Thunderbolt 5 becomes widely accessible.

Thunderbolt 5 and Its Relevance to Raptor Lake Refresh

While Thunderbolt 5 is a significant development, Raptor Lake Refresh PC owners will have to live without this feature. It is worth noting that desktops are less likely to have Thunderbolt ports compared to laptops. Therefore, it makes more sense for mobile processors, like those in the Meteor Lake family, to support Thunderbolt 5.

In conclusion, Intel’s blunder in its Raptor Lake Refresh launch announcement has caused confusion regarding Thunderbolt 5 support. However, it seems that Meteor Lake processors will be the ones to offer this highly anticipated connectivity feature.