Confusion Over Thunderbolt 5 JHL9580/JHL9480 Controller Specs... HELP

[mlawler626]

Hi folks,

As an end-user, I've been waiting a year for Thunderbolt 5 (TB5) to come out since it was announced last September 2023... and as of October 2024 there are only a couple of laptops I can find that utilize TB5 (Razor Blade 18 and Maingear's ML-17).  The Razor Blade 18 has 1x TB5 port and the ML-17 has 2x TB5 ports, but their tech support states their laptop only has a single TB5 controller (I'm assuming it is the JHL9580 variant) ... so if the JHL9580 controller supports two external TB5 ports-- why does the Razor Blade 18 only have one TB5 external port?  And are the two external TB5 ports on the ML-17 both utilizing 80 Gbps?  Or are those two ports splitting/sharing that 80 Gbps data transmit/receive capability? The Intel JHL9580 spec doesn't explain that clearly enough for me.  And then there is the JHL9480 Accessory Controller which the Intel spec-sheet states it has a quad port configuration (is this 1 source and 3 downstream peripherals-- and are they all operating at 80 Gbps or what?)  If anyone can explain these details to me I would be very grateful.  Thanks in advance.

[JedG_Intel]

Hello mlawler626,

Thank you for posting at Intel Community Forum

I understand that you'd like to gain more information about the specifications of Thunderbolt 5 JHL9580/JHL9480 Controller. I'll be checking this internally for more information and I'll contact you as soon as possible.

Have a good one!

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hi mlawler626,

After checking internally, I'd like to inform you that the limited number of ports could be due to design choices or space constraints within the laptop. Manufacturers often balance the number of ports with other features to maintain the device's form factor. Therefore, it would be best to contact the manufacturer for more details.

Additionally, Thunderbolt™ technology is customized by computer manufacturers for their specific platforms. Intel provides firmware and driver updates directly to OEMs (such as HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc.), but does not support their products directly. It is the responsibility of these manufacturers to test and validate updates before making them available on their support websites.

 For reference, you may check out the links below:

•  How to Get Thunderbolt™ Support for My Laptop
• Support Options for Thunderbolt™
• Thunderbolt™ Technology

I hope that you find this information helpful!

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[mlawler626]

Hi Jed,
Thanks for your replies. I understand you cannot speak to OEM's implementation. However, the main thrust of my question is directed at Intel-- which is ... What is the full capabilities of the Intel Thunderbolt 5 controllers? JHL9580 says it's dual-port, so does that controller provide for two external TB5 ports where each port provides 80 Gbps? Or do those two ports split that and only provide 40 Gbps? Likewise the other controller states it is a "quad-port" -- so what is the maximum data transfer for those four ports?

Intel should be able to provide those answers -- because like I said the spec sheets are unclear. Thank you.

[JedG_Intel]

Hi mlawler626,

I understand that you are seeking additional information regarding the JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 Controller. Please note that connectivity and performance (data transfer rates) can vary significantly based on the specific implementation by the device manufacturer.

If you have a particular device in mind that utilizes the Thunderbolt 5 Controller, I recommend reaching out directly to the manufacturer for the most accurate and detailed information regarding performance, connectivity, functionality, and the overall implementation of the controller.

Let me know if this addresses your concern. If you require further assistance, please let me know.

Thank you so much!

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[mlawler626]

@JedG_Intel  thanks for the reply...

What I am seeking is for Intel to better explain the design specifications for their JHL9580 (dual) and JHL9480 (quad) Thunderbolt 5 Controllers.  The available specification datasheets are vague and unclear.

Intel® JHL9580 Thunderbolt™ 5 Controller Specification 

Intel® JHL9480 Thunderbolt™ 5 Accessory Controller 

Let me ask my questions more clearly:

1.  How many external TB5 ports is the JHL9580 controller designed to support?  Intel engineers know this answer... the spec sheet refers to this controller as a dual port configuration... does that mean two external TB5 ports?  Yes or No.

2.  If the JHL9580 controller does support two external TB5 ports, then what is the "designed or max supported" data transfer rate?  Do both ports support 80Gbps each?  Or is that touted 80 Gbps split across both ports and only providing 40 Gbps per port?  Intel engineers know this answer.

3.  How many external TB5 ports is the JHL9480 accessory controller designed to support?  Intel engineers know this answer... the spec sheet refers to this accessory controller as a quad port configuration... does that mean four external TB5 ports?  Yes or No.

4.  If the JHL9480 accessory controller does support four external TB5 ports, then what is the "designed or max supported" data transfer rate?  Do all ports support 80Gbps each?  Or how is that data transfer rate split across the four ports?  Intel engineers know this answer.

I'm not asking about any specific OEM implementations with Intel's controllers.

Sorry for beating a dead horse... but would you please elevate my request to engineers who can provide you with those answers?  Thanks.