Asus ThunderboltEX 4 Thunderbolt/USB Adapter

In today’s creator‑driven, workflow‑oriented workspace, the Asus ThunderboltEX 4 Thunderbolt/USB Adapter redefines PCIe expansion with cutting‑edge Thunderbolt 4 performance. This high‑end add‑on card unlocks unprecedented bandwidth—up to 40 Gbps bi‑directional—for blistering data transfers, unrestrained external storage, and seamless multi‑device connectivity. Built to deliver USB4 device compatibility, it lets you plug in USB‑C hubs, fast SSD enclosures, and versatile docking stations with the same superior throughput you expect from a modern laptop, all from a desktop chassis. The built‑in DisplayPort 1.4 output empowers external displays to pair with your system without compromising frame rates or color accuracy, making it ideal for color‑critical video work, 4K editing, or immersive gaming setups. With daisy‑chain support for up to five Thunderbolt devices, you’ll enjoy a clean, cable‑aware arrangement that scales as your catalog of devices grows. And thanks to up to 100W USB Power Delivery, you can power‑up a compatible laptop or power‑hungry peripherals through the Thunderbolt connection, reducing desk clutter and maintaining productivity wherever you work. ASUS engineers have optimized ThunderboltEX 4 for reliability, thermal performance, and broad compatibility across a wide range of motherboards and chassis types, making it a future‑proof upgrade for creators, professionals, and enthusiasts who demand peak throughput, flexible expansion, and a tidy, efficient workspace.

• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports deliver 40 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth with robust support for daisy‑chaining up to five devices, enabling fast transit of large files, rapid backups, and seamless multi‑device workflows without bottlenecks.
• USB4 device compatibility ensures you can attach USB‑C hubs, high‑speed external SSDs, and versatile docking stations and still enjoy the full performance benefits of Thunderbolt 4 across your peripheral ecosystem.
• DisplayPort 1.4 output provides a direct external display connection from your desktop, supporting high‑resolution monitors and multi‑display configurations suitable for content creation, design work, and high‑refresh gaming setups.
• Up to 100W USB Power Delivery powers connected laptops and devices through the same Thunderbolt connection, reducing the number of chargers on your desk and maintaining productivity during long sessions away from the wall socket.
• Easy integration and broad compatibility—this PCIe add‑on card fits standard desktop builds in PCIe x4 slots and works with supported Windows and macOS systems, delivering plug‑and‑play reliability and durable performance for demanding workloads.

Technical Details of Asus ThunderboltEX 4 Thunderbolt/USB Adapter

• Thunderbolt 4 add‑on card with 40 Gbps bi‑directional bandwidth
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for daisy‑chaining up to five devices
• USB4 device compatibility for external storage, hubs, and peripherals
• DisplayPort 1.4 output for external displays
• Up to 100W USB Power Delivery to charge connected laptops and devices
• PCIe interface: PCIe 3.0 x4
• Form factor: PCIe add‑on card designed for standard desktop builds
• Operating system support: Windows 10/11 and macOS with Thunderbolt support

How to install Asus ThunderboltEX 4 Thunderbolt/USB Adapter

• Power down your PC and unplug it from the wall. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge before touching internal components.
• Open the computer case and locate an available PCIe x4 (or larger) slot on the motherboard.
• Insert the ThunderboltEX 4 PCIe card firmly into the slot and secure the bracket with a screw to keep the card in place.
• If your motherboard requires an internal Thunderbolt header connection, connect the included header cable to the card and to the motherboard header; if your board does not require a header, you can proceed without this step.
• Power on the system. If prompted, install any Thunderbolt drivers or firmware updates recommended by the operating system or ASUS support resources. On macOS, Thunderbolt devices are typically detected automatically; Windows may require drivers or firmware updates from ASUS or Microsoft.
• Connect Thunderbolt devices to the two ports on the card and, if needed, chain additional devices up to five in a daisy‑chain. Use the DisplayPort 1.4 output for external monitors as required by your setup.
• Verify the connection in the operating system’s Thunderbolt utility or control center, ensuring devices in the chain are recognized and performing at expected speeds.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Asus ThunderboltEX 4 Thunderbolt/USB Adapter?

  The Asus ThunderboltEX 4 is a Thunderbolt 4 PCIe add‑on card that expands desktop capability with two TB4 ports, USB4 device compatibility, and a DisplayPort 1.4 output, enabling fast data transfer, high‑resolution displays, and versatile USB‑C peripherals from a single PCIe slot.

• How many devices can be daisy‑chained?

  You can daisy‑chain up to five Thunderbolt devices on the Thunderbolt 4 ports, expanding your external storage, displays, and peripherals with minimal cable clutter.

• Does it support USB Power Delivery?

  Yes. The ThunderboltEX 4 supports up to 100W of USB Power Delivery to charge and power connected laptops and devices through the Thunderbolt connection, simplifying power management in a compact setup.

• Is it compatible with Windows and macOS?

  The card is designed for use with supported Windows and macOS systems that provide Thunderbolt support. macOS users typically enjoy automatic detection, while Windows may require drivers or firmware updates to maximize performance.

• Do I need special software to use Thunderbolt devices?

  Most Thunderbolt devices work automatically once the card is installed and the drivers are current. Some features or advanced configurations can be accessed via the Thunderbolt control center on Windows or the respective macOS tools.

• What kind of displays can I drive with DisplayPort 1.4?

  DisplayPort 1.4 supports high‑resolution external displays, enabling common configurations like 4K at 60 Hz or higher, and can support multi‑monitor setups depending on GPU and display capabilities.