Overview
The ASUS THUNDERBOLTEX 4 is a PCI Express expansion card that adds Thunderbolt 4 connectivity to compatible desktop systems. It provides two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer, peripheral connectivity, and display output. USB4 compatibility and DisplayPort 1.4 support make it suitable for workstations that require additional connectivity for storage devices, displays, and professional peripherals.
Connectivity and Display Support
The card provides two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports with bidirectional bandwidth of up to 40 Gbps for compatible Thunderbolt devices. Two Mini DisplayPort input connectors allow video output from a compatible motherboard or discrete graphics card to be routed through the expansion card. DisplayPort 1.4 supports resolutions up to 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz when the graphics source and connected display support the required configuration.
Power Delivery
The first USB-C port supports charging up to 100 W, while the second supports up to 27 W. Actual charging performance depends on the connected device and operating conditions. A six-pin PCIe power connection supports the card's quick-charging functionality.
Motherboard Compatibility and Installation
The THUNDERBOLTEX 4 uses a PCI Express 3.0 x4 interface and requires a compatible motherboard with the appropriate 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header. ASUS lists compatible Intel 500-series and later motherboard models, subject to its model-specific compatibility documentation. Available PCIe slots alone do not guarantee compatibility.
Key Features
- Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports supporting up to 40 Gbps bandwidth.
- USB4 device compatibility for supported peripherals.
- DisplayPort 1.4 support for resolutions up to 8K at 60 Hz with a compatible graphics source.
- USB-C charging support up to 100 W on the first port and 27 W on the second.
- Daisy-chain support for up to five Thunderbolt devices per port, subject to device and configuration limitations.
Applications
Suitable for compatible desktop workstations used in high-speed external storage, professional audio and video production, multi-device workstation setups, and high-resolution display environments.
DC Supplies Product Note
Check the exact motherboard model against ASUS's current ThunderboltEX 4 compatibility list before purchasing. Installation requires the appropriate motherboard Thunderbolt header, available PCIe connectivity, and the required internal connections. For display output, connect a compatible graphics source to the card's Mini DisplayPort inputs as specified in the installation documentation.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | ASUS |
| Part Number / MPN | THUNDERBOLTEX 4 |
| Product Type | Thunderbolt expansion card |
| Model | ThunderboltEX 4 |
| Controller | Intel JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 3.0 x4 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 2 × USB-C |
| Maximum Thunderbolt Bandwidth | 40 Gbps bidirectional |
| USB Compatibility | USB4 |
| Display Interface | 2 × Mini DisplayPort input |
| Display Standard | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Maximum Display Resolution | 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz, subject to graphics source |
| USB-C Charging, Port 1 | Up to 100 W (20 V / 5 A) |
| USB-C Charging, Port 2 | Up to 27 W (9 V / 3 A) |
| Additional Internal Connections | USB 2.0 header; 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header |
| Power Connector | 6-pin PCIe power connector |
| Motherboard Compatibility | Compatible ASUS Intel 500-series and later motherboards with the required 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header; verify the supported-model list |
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit listed in product documentation; verify current OS support |
| Card Dimensions | Approximately 180.5 × 117.7 mm (7.1 × 4.6 inches) |
| Manufacturer Ordering Part Number | 90MC09P0-M0UAY0 (regional ordering number) |
| EAN / JAN | 0195553115247 (regional listing) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the THUNDERBOLTEX 4 work with any motherboard that has a PCIe slot?
No. A compatible PCIe slot is necessary, but the motherboard must also support the card and provide the required Thunderbolt header. Check ASUS's compatibility list for the exact motherboard model.
Can both USB-C ports charge connected devices?
Yes. The first port supports charging up to 100 W and the second up to 27 W, provided the connected device and power configuration support the required charging mode.
Does the card provide display output without a graphics source?
The card's Mini DisplayPort connectors are inputs. A compatible motherboard or discrete graphics output must be connected to the appropriate input for video to pass through Thunderbolt.
Can multiple Thunderbolt devices be connected in a chain?
Yes. Thunderbolt daisy-chaining supports up to five devices per port, subject to device compatibility and the overall connection configuration.
What should be checked before installation?
Verify motherboard compatibility, the PCIe slot, the 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header, the required internal cables, and the six-pin PCIe power connection. Follow the manufacturer's installation manual.
