Macs come with powerful USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. They’re not just for charging - these ports are key to expanding performance. This article shows how to make the most of them.
1. Connect external displays
Mac USB-C ports support audio/video output and can:
- Connect directly to USB-C monitors
- Use adapters to connect HDMI/DisplayPort monitors
- M1/M2 Macs support up to two external displays
- Support up to 6K@60Hz output
2. High-speed data transfer
Thunderbolt 3/4 provides:
- Up to 40Gbps transfer speed
- External NVMe SSDs can reach 2800MB/s read/write
- Daisy-chain multiple devices
3. The power of docks
A high-quality dock can provide:
- Multiple USB-A ports
- Ethernet
- SD card reader
- Audio jacks
- Extra USB-C ports
- Up to 100W fast charging
Recommended: CalDigit TS4 is one of the most capable Thunderbolt 4 docks.
4. External GPU (eGPU)
With Thunderbolt you can:
- Connect an external GPU enclosure
- Boost graphics performance
- Great for video editing and gaming
- Note: Only supported on Intel Macs
5. Pro audio gear
For music creators:
- Connect professional audio interfaces
- Support MIDI devices
- Low-latency audio I/O
- Use multiple audio devices at once
6. Video capture
Creators can:
- Connect HD cameras
- Capture video in real time
- Live stream
- Use 4K60fps capture cards
7. Network expansion
Via adapters or docks:
- Add Gigabit Ethernet
- More stable connections
- Ideal for high-speed network needs
8. Charging and power delivery
Strong power delivery:
- Up to 100W PD fast charging
- Quickly charge iPad and iPhone
- Support reverse power delivery
- One port for both charging and data
Usage tips
Prioritize reputable cables. Even if both are USB-C, specs can vary a lot.
- Check power and protocol support
- Recommended brands: Anker, Belkin, etc.
Notes
- Different Mac models support different features
- M1/M2 Macs have limits on external displays
Final Thoughts
Mac USB-C/Thunderbolt ports offer strong expandability. Using them well can significantly boost productivity. As technology evolves, we’ll likely see even more innovative use cases.
