Why no backwards compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2, on Thunderbolt 4???

[LiamNip]

I specifically bought an pricey computer capable of being competitive on the market, and quality for my Music Production... very happy with it... though, i just found out that my Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th gen audio interface, won't work with thunderbolt 4?!?!? why is this? why is there no backwards compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2? If there's a GOOD reason for this i want to know. Ridiculous. Everything is about money, huh?

-Thanks

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello LiamNip,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

The Thunderbolt™ Share software by Intel® provides PC-to-PC experiences with Thunderbolt™ 4 or Thunderbolt™ 5 enabled computers. To get a better understanding of your backwards compatibility concerns, please help share the missing details below for proper issue isolation:

1) Kindly share your system configuration so I we can fully check the root cause of this problem. This could be possible by downloading the Intel® System Support Utility for Windows* software. When the download is complete, launch SSU.exe.

• Scan: Check the box Everything.
• Click Scan.
• Review: When finished scanning, click Next.
• Click Save (.txt).
• Attach the SSU log file as you reply to this post.

2) Please confirm if this is the actual device you are setting up with your system device: https://focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo

3) Any specific error you're getting when setting this up?

4) Any additional information that may help with the issue isolation, would be greatly appreciated.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello LiamNip,

Following my previous post, I have further reviewed the thread and it seems the issue may not be related to Thunderbolt™ Share. Could you please clarify whether you were referring to Thunderbolt™ Share or simply the Thunderbolt ports?

Regarding the problem with your Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen audio interface not working with Thunderbolt 4, this is primarily due to differences in technology and compatibility standards. Thunderbolt 4 is designed to be backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB3, but it does not inherently support Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices. This is because Thunderbolt 1 and 2 use a different connector type and protocol, requiring an adapter to connect to newer Thunderbolt ports.

The lack of direct backward compatibility is not about cost, but rather technological advancements and the need to support newer, faster, and more efficient standards. As technology progresses, manufacturers aim to provide improved performance, security, and features, which sometimes means moving away from older standards.

To resolve your issue, you might consider using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, which can help bridge the gap between your audio interface and your computer's Thunderbolt 4 port. This solution should allow you to continue using your Focusrite Scarlett Solo with your new setup.

I apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused. Let me share the Support Options for Thunderbolt™.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello LiamNip,

I haven't heard back from you regarding the information I provided about your query. Therefore, I strongly recommend reaching out directly to your system manufacturer's support team and/or the Focusrite Scarlett Solo support team for a compatibility check.

I will now close this thread. If you require assistance in the future, please submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Sincerely,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician