Technology glossary
Intel’s wired connection standard built on USB4 Version 2.0: 80 Gbit/s bidirectional bandwidth, up to 120 Gbit/s in one direction for display-heavy work.
Intel introduced Thunderbolt 5 on 12 September 2023. It provides 80 Gbit/s bidirectional bandwidth, twice that of Thunderbolt 4. Bandwidth Boost raises one direction to 120 Gbit/s for display-heavy use such as very high-resolution or high-refresh monitors.
It builds on PCI Express Gen 4 and DisplayPort 2.1 and uses PAM-3 signalling to reach these speeds over passive cables up to 1 metre. It is compatible with earlier Thunderbolt versions and USB, but real speed depends on the slowest device, the cable and what the port supports. Not every USB-C port is Thunderbolt 5.
Laptops · 2026
The 18-inch G18 is a large laptop for desk-based gaming and creative work. This version combines Mini LED, 16 GB graphics memory and two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Its 3.2 kg chassis and 380 W adapter matter for daily travel. Other G815 configurations use IPS displays and different ports.
Laptops · 2026
A slim 16-inch OLED gaming laptop. Intel-based RZ09-0581 differs from the AMD 2025 RZ09-0528. Memory is soldered; SSD slots are accessible.
Laptops · 2025
ASUS's 16-inch high-end gaming laptop. It pairs the Core Ultra 9 275HX with an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU running up to 175 W, a 240 Hz Mini LED panel and two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Memory and SSDs can be swapped through a tool-less bottom cover. Tests praise the display and performance; loud fans, a smudge-prone plastic base and short battery life draw criticism.
Laptops · 2025
The Titan 18 HX AI is MSI's top-end 18-inch desktop-replacement laptop. This configuration has a Core Ultra 9 285HX, a 24 GB RTX 5090 Laptop GPU running at up to 175 W, 96 GB of DDR5 and three SSDs totalling 6 TB. It adds a 4K-class Mini LED screen, a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard and two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Reviews find sustained performance very high but heat and fan noise noticeable in the fastest modes; at 3.6 kg it is built for power rather than portability.
Laptops · 2025
The Vector 16 HX AI is MSI's 16-inch performance laptop. This configuration pairs a Core Ultra 9 275HX with an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU running up to 175 W, 32 GB of replaceable DDR5 and two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Reviews find gaming performance strong for the class and fan noise pronounced in the higher modes.