Converting Your Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI: What You Need to Know

The advent of Thunderbolt 4 has brought about a significant increase in bandwidth, allowing users to connect multiple high-resolution displays with ease. With its ability to support up to 40Gbps, a pair of 4K displays or a single 5K display at 60Hz can be connected using a single cable. However, this increased bandwidth may soon become a limitation as optical Thunderbolt cables promise to remove this constraint.

One of the major drawbacks of Thunderbolt cables is their high cost. Compared to HDMI cables of similar length, Thunderbolt cables tend to be two to four times more expensive. For instance, Anker's 2.3-foot Thunderbolt 3 cable costs $32 on Amazon, while its 6-foot HDMI 2.1 cable can be purchased for just $20.

Another concern with Thunderbolt displays is their finicky nature. Simply adjusting the position of a Thunderbolt-equipped laptop on a desk can sometimes disconnect the signal. Moreover, Thunderbolt connections can be prone to signal degradation over time, similar to USB-C connectors on phones.

Despite these limitations, Thunderbolt displays do offer some advantages. For instance, they provide a clean and simple cabling solution that requires only one cable out from your PC for both power and data. Additionally, Thunderbolt is becoming increasingly common on PCs, making it an attractive option for future-proofing.

If you're considering purchasing a Thunderbolt display, it's essential to consult your PC's owner's manual to ensure it includes Thunderbolt support. With the majority of Thunderbolt displays priced at around $500 and up, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the costs.

In conclusion, converting your Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. While Thunderbolt cables are more expensive than their HDMI counterparts, they offer increased bandwidth and a clean cabling solution. By understanding the limitations and advantages of Thunderbolt displays, you can make an informed decision about whether this technology is right for you.

Thunderbolt 4 to hdmi