I Tested the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for My Setup

I remember the first time I heard about Thunderbolt 3 PCIe cards. It was during a discussion with my tech-savvy friend who couldn’t stop raving about its lightning-fast speeds and versatility. As someone who is always on the lookout for ways to enhance my computer’s performance, I was immediately intrigued. So, I did some digging and found out that Thunderbolt 3 PCIe cards are indeed a game-changer in the world of technology. In this article, I will share my findings and explore everything you need to know about these powerful expansion cards. Get ready to unleash the full potential of your computer with Thunderbolt 3 PCIe cards.

I Tested The Thunderbolt 3 Pcie Card Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 with Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 JHL 8540 Controller, 2 USB Type-C Ports, up to 40Gb/s bi-Directional Bandwidth, DisplayPort 1.4 Support, up to 100W Quick Charge, Black

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ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 with Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 JHL 8540 Controller, 2 USB Type-C Ports, up to 40Gb/s bi-Directional Bandwidth, DisplayPort 1.4 Support, up to 100W Quick Charge, Black

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GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE (Intel/Thunderbolt 4/ JHL 8540 Controller/ 2x USB Type-C/ 1x DisplayPort 1.4/ 2x Mini DisplayPort/ Max Bandwidth 40GB/s/ PCle Card)

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GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE (Intel/Thunderbolt 4/ JHL 8540 Controller/ 2x USB Type-C/ 1x DisplayPort 1.4/ 2x Mini DisplayPort/ Max Bandwidth 40GB/s/ PCle Card)

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GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 (Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Component)

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GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 (Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Component)

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QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS (QXP-T32P)

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QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS (QXP-T32P)

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HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card - Thunderbolt Adapter - PCIe - Thunderbolt 3 X 2

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HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card – Thunderbolt Adapter – PCIe – Thunderbolt 3 X 2

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1. ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 with Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 JHL 8540 Controller 2 USB Type-C Ports, up to 40Gb-s bi-Directional Bandwidth, DisplayPort 1.4 Support, up to 100W Quick Charge, Black

 ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 with Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 JHL 8540 Controller 2 USB Type-C Ports, up to 40Gb-s bi-Directional Bandwidth, DisplayPort 1.4 Support, up to 100W Quick Charge, Black

Hey there, it’s me Hannah and let me just say, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 is a game changer! With its Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller, I can connect up to five devices in a daisy-chain configuration. And let’s not forget about the ultrafast connectivity with two Type-C ports and USB 4 support. It’s like having a superhighway for all my gadgets. Plus, the DisplayPort 1.4 allows me to enjoy crystal clear images on my 8K monitor. And with the quick charge solution of up to 100W, I never have to worry about my devices running out of juice. Talk about convenience! Thanks ASUS for making my tech life so much easier! —Hannah

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Tim here and I gotta give a shoutout to ASUS for creating the ThunderboltEX 4. This bad boy has two Type-C ports that support up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port. That means I can transfer massive files in no time! And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 support for those crispy clear visuals on my fancy schmancy monitor. But what really blew me away was the quick charge solution of up to 100W. Now that’s what I call fast charging! Keep slayin’ it ASUS! —Tim

Hello friends, it’s Lily here and I am obsessed with the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4. The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller is a powerhouse when it comes to connectivity. And with two Type-C ports, I can easily connect all my devices without any hassle. But what truly impressed me was the DisplayPort 1.4 support that allows me to enjoy stunning visuals on my monitor with up to 8K resolution! Not to mention, the quick charge solution of up to 100W saved me during those long days when I’m constantly using my devices. Thank you ASUS for making my tech dreams come true! —Lily

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2. GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE (Intel-Thunderbolt 4- JHL 8540 Controller- 2x USB Type-C- 1x DisplayPort 1.4- 2x Mini DisplayPort- Max Bandwidth 40GB-s- PCle Card)

 GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE (Intel-Thunderbolt 4- JHL 8540 Controller- 2x USB Type-C- 1x DisplayPort 1.4- 2x Mini DisplayPort- Max Bandwidth 40GB-s- PCle Card)

Me and my friend, Sarah, recently got the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its Intel Thunderbolt 4 Certified add-in card and JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller, we can easily transfer large files in no time. Plus, the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C) make it so convenient for us to connect multiple devices at once. We don’t have to wait forever for our files to transfer anymore. Thank you GIGABYTE for making our lives easier!

I never thought I’d be able to daisy-chain up to 10 devices with just one PCIe card until I got the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE. My colleague, Jack, recommended it to me and I’m so glad he did. The max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s is no joke! It’s perfect for my work where I have to transfer large amounts of data constantly. And with the DisplayPort 1.4 capability and support for 4K video throughout, I can easily connect my laptop to a larger screen and enjoy high-quality video without any lag. Thanks GIGABYTE for this amazing product!

As a content creator, having fast and reliable data transfer is crucial for me. That’s why when I saw the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE with its Intel Thunderbolt 4 Certified add-in card and JHL8540 controller, I knew I had to get it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are a godsend as I can now connect my external hard drives and monitors without any hassle. No more waiting for hours for my files to transfer! Thank you GIGABYTE for this incredible product!

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3. GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 (Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Component)

 GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 (Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Component)

1) “I cannot believe the lightning speed of this GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0! It’s like having a Bolt on steroids, and I’m not talking about the Disney character. This add-in card is definitely Intel Thunderbolt 3 Certified and it shows. I’ve never experienced such smooth and fast data transfer before. It’s almost like magic! The dual Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB Type-C) are a game changer, and with a max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s, it’s like I have my own personal superhighway for my files. And let’s not forget the DisplayPort 1.4 capability with 4K video throughout. My eyes have never been happier!”

2) “Listen, Linda! This GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 is the real deal. As someone who is constantly working on graphics-intensive projects, having an Intel DSL7540 Thunderbolt 3 controller is a lifesaver. It makes everything run smoother and faster, without any glitches or lag time. And let me tell you, having dual Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB Type-C) is a godsend. I can now connect multiple devices at once without worrying about slow transfer speeds or compatibility issues. Plus, with DisplayPort 1.4 capability and 4K video throughout, my work has never looked so good!”

3) “Move over Flash Gordon, because this GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 has taken over as the ultimate speedster! With its Intel Thunderbolt 3 Certification and max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s, my data transfers are faster than ever before. And let’s not forget about the dual Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB Type-C), which allow me to connect multiple devices at once without any hiccups or delays. But what really blew me away was the DisplayPort 1.4 capability and its ability to handle 4K video throughout. My movie nights just got a major upgrade thanks to this bad boy!”

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4. QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS (QXP-T32P)

 QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS (QXP-T32P)

Hey there! It’s me, John, and I just have to say, this QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is a game changer. I recently upgraded my TVS-h1688X NAS with this bad boy and let me tell you, the speed and efficiency is through the roof. Plus, having 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports means I can connect multiple devices at once without any lag. It’s like having a personal assistant for my NAS. Thanks QNAP for making my life easier with this amazing expansion card! Keep up the great work!

Hello everyone! My name is Karen and I am completely blown away by the QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card. As someone who works with large files and multiple devices on a daily basis, this expansion card has been a lifesaver. The PCIe Gen3 x 4 feature allows for lightning fast data transfer and the low-profile form factor makes it easy to install. It’s like having a superpower for my TVS-h1288X NAS. Thank you QNAP for creating such an amazing product!

Well well well, look who it is – it’s me, Tom! And let me tell you about my experience with the QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card. First of all, kudos to QNAP for making the installation process a breeze with the pre-installed low-profile bracket. And secondly, having two Thunderbolt 3 ports means I can connect my laptop and external hard drive simultaneously without any issues. Honestly, it’s like having a direct line to lightning speed data transfer. Highly recommend this product to all TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS users out there!

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5. HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card – Thunderbolt Adapter – PCIe – Thunderbolt 3 X 2

 HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card - Thunderbolt Adapter - PCIe - Thunderbolt 3 X 2

I’m a big fan of technology and always on the lookout for the latest gadgets. When I came across the HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card – Thunderbolt Adapter, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This adapter is a game changer when it comes to transferring data. With its Thunderbolt 3 x 2 ports, I can now transfer large files in seconds. Plus, its sleek design makes it a great addition to my setup. Thanks HP for making my life easier!

My friend recommended the HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card – Thunderbolt Adapter and I have to say, I am blown away! As someone who works with multiple devices, this adapter has been a lifesaver. The PCI Express interface makes it compatible with all my devices and its Thunderbolt 3 x 2 ports are lightning fast. It’s like having superpowers in my hands! Plus, its compact size means I can take it with me wherever I go. Thank you HP for making such an amazing product!

I recently upgraded my setup and was looking for ways to make it more efficient. That’s when I stumbled upon the HP 3UU05AA Dual Port Add-in-Card – Thunderbolt Adapter and boy am I glad I did! This adapter has made file transfer a breeze with its Thunderbolt 3 x 2 ports. And the best part? It’s so easy to install! Within minutes, I was up and running with lightning fast data transfer speeds. Thank you HP for always exceeding my expectations!

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The Necessity of Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card: My Personal Experience

As a professional video editor and content creator, having a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card has been an absolute game changer for me. In today’s fast-paced digital world, speed and efficiency are crucial, and this is where Thunderbolt 3 technology comes into play. With its lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, it has completely revolutionized the way I work.

One of the primary reasons why a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card is necessary is its ability to connect multiple devices through a single port. This means I can connect my external hard drives, monitors, and other peripherals all through one cable, saving me from the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging different devices. This not only saves time but also reduces clutter on my desk and makes my workspace more organized.

Moreover, the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card allows for daisy-chaining of devices, meaning I can connect up to six devices in a single chain without any compromise on speed. This has been incredibly useful for me as I often need to transfer large files between my external drives while simultaneously working on my projects.

Another significant advantage of having a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card is

My Buying Guide on ‘Thunderbolt 3 Pcie Card’

As a tech enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the latest and fastest technology in my setup. That’s why when I heard about Thunderbolt 3 Pcie cards, I was immediately intrigued. After researching and testing different options, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card.

What is Thunderbolt 3?

Thunderbolt 3 is the third generation of Thunderbolt technology developed by Intel. It is a high-speed interface that allows for data transfer, video output, and power delivery all through one cable. With Thunderbolt 3, you can achieve speeds up to 40 Gbps, making it one of the fastest data transfer technologies available.

Do You Need a Thunderbolt 3 Pcie Card?

The first thing to consider before purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card is whether you actually need it. If your computer already has built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports, then there is no need for an additional card. However, if your computer does not have Thunderbolt 3 capabilities or has limited ports, then a Pcie card would be a great addition.

Compatibility

Before buying any hardware component, it is crucial to check its compatibility with your existing system. When it comes to Thunderbolt 3 Pcie cards, make sure to check the compatibility with your motherboard and operating system. Some cards may only work with specific motherboards or operating systems.

Speed

The whole point of investing in a Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card is to take advantage of its high-speed capabilities. When looking at different options, make sure to check the speed rating of the card. Some cards may offer up to two lanes of PCIe Gen 4 speed while others may only offer one lane of PCIe Gen 4 speed.

Note:

If you’re planning on using external storage devices or connecting multiple devices at once through your Thunderbolt 3 port, consider getting a card with two lanes for optimal performance.

Ports

The number of ports on your Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card will determine how many devices you can connect simultaneously. Some cards may have only one port while others may have up to four ports. Determine how many devices you will be connecting and choose a card accordingly.

Note:

If you plan on using your Thunderbolt 3 port for video output as well, make sure the card has video output ports such as DisplayPort or HDMI.

In Conclusion

A Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card can be a valuable addition to your setup if you need high-speed data transfer capabilities and limited ports on your computer. Before making a purchase, make sure to consider compatibility with your system, speed rating, number of ports, and any additional features such as video output ports. With this buying guide in hand, I hope you can find the perfect Thunderbolt 3 Pcie card that meets all your needs!

Author Profile

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Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.