Overview
The ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 is a PCIe add-in card that brings Thunderbolt 4 connectivity to your desktop PC. With up to 40 Gbps bandwidth, it enables high-speed connections for external storage, docks, and high-resolution displays. Designed for Intel-based motherboards with a Thunderbolt 4 header, this card is an easy upgrade for adding modern I/O capabilities.
Key Features
- Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C form factor) delivering up to 40 Gbps each
- One DisplayPort 1.4 input for video output over Thunderbolt
- PCIe 3.0 x4 interface for broad compatibility with existing motherboards
- Hot-plug support for convenient device swapping
- Bus-powered operation, capable of supplying power to some connected devices
Compatibility Guide
- Form factor: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX (requires an available PCIe x4 or wider slot)
- PCIe version: PCIe 3.0 and later (backward compatible)
- Essential requirement: Motherboard must have a Thunderbolt 4 header (TB_HEADER)
- Recommended chipsets: Intel 500/600/700 series (ASUS boards preferred)
- AMD motherboards are generally not supported; check the official compatibility list before purchase
- Power is drawn from the PCIe slot; no additional power cable needed
Ideal Use Cases
- Bringing Thunderbolt 4 functionality to a desktop PC for use with Thunderbolt 4 laptops and peripherals
- Connecting high-speed external NVMe SSDs for creative professionals handling large files
- Driving multiple 4K or 8K displays via Thunderbolt daisy-chaining
- Using a Thunderbolt 4 dock to centralize all peripherals with a single cable
Upgrade Considerations
- Verify that your motherboard has a Thunderbolt 4 header; without it, the card will not function.
- Use a PCIe 3.0 x4 or faster slot to avoid bandwidth bottlenecks.
- The card is standard size, but ensure enough clearance in your case.
- Running multiple Thunderbolt 4 cards may be limited by chipset resources; check your motherboard manual.