The first PCIe 4.0 add-in-cards to feature the latest version of Intel’s Thunderbolt technology and DisplayPort 2.1 have begun to appear online. Owners of older PC PCIe 4.0 platforms will have new options for high-speed data transfers, power delivery, and display connectivity now that these PCIe 4.0 add-in cards are beginning to hit the market. ASUS and GIGABYTE are the first manufacturers out of the gate to announce their offerings, each with unique options for offering an upgrade path for those not quite ready to make the jump to a newer platform.
GIGABYTE THUNDERBOLTS 5
First up is the GIGABYTE THUNDERBOLTS 5 certified Thunderbolt 5 add-in-card, which was announced last week on October 18. It uses the Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller and supports the PD3.1 to deliver up to 100W. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
Key Features (via product page):
- Intel® Thunderbolt™ 5 Certified add-in card
- Intel® JHL9580 Thunderbolt™ 5 controller
- Dual Thunderbolt™ 5 Ports (USB Type-C™)
- Deliver up to 80 Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth, or up to 120Gb/s single-direction bandwidth.
- Provides maximum support for DisplayPort™ 2.1 with 8K at 60Hz*
- Daisy-chain up to 10 Devices (5 devices per port)
- Support PD3.1 standard (up to 100W)
Ports/Headers (via product page):
- Mini-DisplayPort In Port 1 (DP IN 1)
- Mini-DisplayPort In Port 2 (DP IN 2)
- Mini-DisplayPort In Port 3 (DP IN 3)
- USB Type-C™ port 1
- USB Type-C™ port 2
- 2x PCIe Power Connectors
- USB Connector
- 5-pin Thunderbolt™ header
- 3-pin Thunderbolt™ header
- PCIe 4.0 x4 interface
ASUS ThunderboltEX 5
Next up is the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 certified 5 add-in card. ASUS has not disclosed which controller it is using with this card but it does feature a number of differences from GIGABYTES. Users can access up to 130W for fast charging by using both Thunderbolt 5 ports via its Flexible FastCharge feature and bidirectional data throughput is 120 Gbps. VideoCardz notes that the ThunderboltEX 5 only requires a single 6-pin power connector while the THUNDERBOLTS 5 needs two. Availability and pricing have yet to be announced.
Key Features (via product page):
- Intel® certified Thunderbolt™ 5 add-on card
- Dual USB Type-C® ports support up to 130 watts total of fast charging, and up to 96W for one device
- Up to five Thunderbolt™ devices can be daisy-chained
- Up to 120 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth for superfast data transfers and video output
- DisplayPort™ 2.1 port supports up to three 8K 60 Hz displays with DSC
Ports/Headers:
- 3x Mini DisplayPort In ports
- 2x USB Type-C Ports
- PCIe 4.0 x 4 interface
- 1x Thunderbolt Header
- 1x USB 2.0 Header
- 1x 6-pin power connector for Flexible FastCharge function