USB4 is poised to replace Thunderbolt as the primary high-performance connectivity standard on modern motherboards. Historically, Thunderbolt was seen as the premium option, exclusive to Intel systems, while USB was often viewed as a less reliable alternative. However, USB4 has absorbed the Thunderbolt 3 specification, allowing both Intel and AMD users to benefit from high-speed data transfer without the limitations of proprietary technology. Intel's decision to contribute the Thunderbolt 3 protocol royalty-free to the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has effectively removed the costs associated with using Thunderbolt technology on motherboards. This shift enables manufacturers to integrate USB4 controllers directly into CPUs, significantly lowering production costs. USB4 supports a baseline speed of 40 Gbps, with future iterations expected to achieve up to 120 Gbps. This evolution not only enhances data transfer capabilities but also simplifies device compatibility, allowing users to connect various peripherals without worrying about brand-specific limitations. As a result, the absence of the Thunderbolt logo on motherboards should be seen as an advancement rather than a downgrade, marking a new era of universal connectivity.