Overview
The ASUS THUNDERBOLTEX 5 is an add-in card designed to expand compatible desktop PCs with two Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports. It uses the Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller and a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, supporting high-bandwidth external storage, docks, peripherals, and display connectivity.
Thunderbolt 5 supports bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps bidirectionally, with Bandwidth Boost enabling up to 120 Gbps in one direction for suitable video-intensive workloads. The card also supports USB4 devices and includes three Mini DisplayPort inputs for routing video from a compatible graphics source to connected displays.
The card supports DisplayPort 2.1 display configurations of up to three 8K displays at 60 Hz with Display Stream Compression (DSC), depending on the graphics source and display setup. Its two USB-C ports support ASUS Flexible FastCharge, with a combined charging output of up to 130 W under supported system conditions and up to 96 W for a single device.
Installation requires a suitable PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, a compatible ASUS motherboard, the required Thunderbolt header and internal connections, and appropriate graphics cabling when display output is needed. ASUS recommends checking the supported motherboard list before purchase.
Key Features
Dual Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports with up to 120 Gbps bandwidth
PCIe 4.0 x4 interface with Intel JHL9580 controller
DisplayPort 2.1 support for up to three 8K 60 Hz displays
Flexible FastCharge with up to 130 W combined output
USB4 compatibility and daisy-chaining of up to five devices per port
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | ASUS |
| Part Number | THUNDERBOLTEX 5 |
| Product Type | Thunderbolt 5 PCIe expansion card |
| Controller | Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller |
| Host Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| External Ports | 2 × USB-C Thunderbolt 5 |
| Maximum Bandwidth | Up to 80 Gbps bidirectional; up to 120 Gbps with Bandwidth Boost |
| USB Compatibility | USB4 |
| Display Interface | 3 × Mini DisplayPort inputs |
| Display Standard | DisplayPort 2.1 |
| Maximum Display Support | Up to 3 × 8K at 60 Hz with DSC, source-dependent |
| Power Delivery | Up to 130 W combined with Flexible FastCharge |
| Maximum Single-Device Charging | Up to 96 W |
| Internal Power Connector | 1 × 6-pin PCIe power connector for Flexible FastCharge |
| Internal Data Connectors | 1 × USB 2.0 header; 1 × Thunderbolt header |
| Daisy-Chaining | Up to five compatible Thunderbolt devices per port |
| Motherboard Compatibility | Supported ASUS motherboards; verify the current compatibility list |
| Operating System | Windows 11 64-bit, with inbox driver |
| Dimensions | 88.9 × 119.5 mm |
| Form Factor | PCIe add-in card |
| Package Contents | Expansion card, 3 × Mini DisplayPort cables, USB 2.0 cable, 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header cable and user manual |
Product Note
The THUNDERBOLTEX 5 is not a universal plug-and-play upgrade for every motherboard. Verify motherboard compatibility with ASUS before ordering, and ensure the required PCIe slot, Thunderbolt header, internal cabling, and power connections are available. Display support depends on the connected graphics source, supported DisplayPort features, cables, and monitors. The 130 W charging figure is a combined maximum under supported conditions, not a guaranteed output for every device or system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASUS THUNDERBOLTEX 5?
It is a PCIe expansion card that adds two Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, USB4 compatibility, display connectivity, and fast charging to supported desktop systems.
What data-transfer speed does Thunderbolt 5 support?
Thunderbolt 5 supports up to 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth and can reach 120 Gbps in one direction with Bandwidth Boost for supported workloads.
Does the card support 8K displays?
Yes. ASUS specifies support for up to three 8K displays at 60 Hz with DSC, subject to the graphics source and display configuration.
How much charging power can it provide?
Flexible FastCharge supports up to 130 W combined across the two USB-C ports and up to 96 W for one device under supported conditions.
Will it work with any motherboard?
No. The card requires a supported ASUS motherboard and the necessary PCIe slot and Thunderbolt header connections. Check ASUS's current compatibility list for the exact motherboard model.
What comes with the card?
The listed package includes the expansion card, three Mini DisplayPort cables, a USB 2.0 cable, a 14-1-pin Thunderbolt header cable, and a user manual.
