Thunderbolt 3 - How many ports can run at any given time

Thank you Samtenor. I think what confuses me is the fact that there are actually two Thunderbolt ports on the single iMac. I had a look at the graph but I couldn't see a straightforward representation of two Thunderbolt 3 drives using both ports at the same time.

I'm trying to make sense of what the local 'Apple Expert' said to me. He seemed to imply that by using one Thunderbolt port for an SSD drive the second would somehow 'weaken' (not the correct word, but I hope you know what I'm trying to say!). Forgive my lack of technical experience and terminology but it sounded like he was saying that one port could be used for the Thunderbolt SSD device so consequently the other SSD could only be used for a slower connection (USB-C)?

Sorry if that sounds confused. I'm trying to piece together what I've been told

Thanks so much Jeff - couldn't have asked for a better link.

One final question if I may... the article makes many references to 'displays' affecting speed. Does that include the basic iMac display itself? As opposed to additional 'external' displays from the iMac?

May be a dumb question, but I had to ask

Thanks again

Paul

Thanks again Jeff. Just a specific question about convenience. With the ports being at the back of the iMac and also the layout of the room, it’s a hassle to plug and unplug devices constantly. If I were to have an SSD in both Thunderbolt ports but strictly only ever use one at a time, do you think I would noticeably affect performance? I know it’s a very specific question but it would help me greatly

Hi

Do you think that if the two Thunderbolt SSDs (Samsung X5 500 GB (MU-PB500B) and TEKQ Rapide 512 GB NVMe) were connected at the same time, performance would be hindered even though only one were being used at a time?

Samsung X5 500 GB (MU-PB500B) and TEKQ Rapide 512 GB NVMe

Does that make sense?

Cheers

Paul

Thank you padams35- I appreciate your help. Cheers!

Paul