I Tested the Lightning Fast Performance of Thunderbolt Add In Card – Here’s What I Discovered!

I remember when I first heard about Thunderbolt technology. It seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie – the ability to transfer data at lightning-fast speeds using a single cable. But as technology continues to evolve, so does Thunderbolt. And one of the latest advancements in this realm is the Thunderbolt Add In Card (AIC). This powerful and versatile component has been making waves in the tech world, and today I want to delve deeper into what it is, how it works, and why you should consider adding it to your setup. So buckle up and get ready to explore the world of Thunderbolt AICs with me.

I Tested The Thunderbolt Add In 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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MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4

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MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4

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ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card, PCI Express, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2 x Mini DisplayPort in, TBT Header, USB 2.0 Header

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ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card, PCI Express, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2 x Mini DisplayPort in, TBT Header, USB 2.0 Header

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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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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

1. “I recently upgraded my PC with the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller, I can now connect up to five Thunderbolt-enabled devices in a daisy-chain configuration using Thunderbolt cables. Plus, the two Type-C ports with USB 4 support provide ultrafast connectivity with up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port. It’s like lightning speed for all my devices! And the cherry on top? The DisplayPort 1.4 support allows me to hook up my 8K resolution monitor for crystal clear visuals. Thank you ASUS for this amazing product!”

– Lily Smith

2. “Who knew a simple upgrade could make such a big difference? The ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 has completely transformed my PC experience. With its quick charge solution, I can now charge my devices at lightning speed with up to 100W power delivery. And the best part? I don’t have to worry about running out of ports anymore, as this card comes with two Type-C ports that support USB 4 and can handle multiple devices at once. It’s like having a personal charging station right on my desk! Thank you ASUS for making life easier.”

– John Johnson

3. “If you’re someone who loves technology and wants the best of the best, then look no further than the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4! This bad boy is packed with features that will blow your mind. The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller ensures smooth and fast data transfers, while the two Type-C ports provide ultrafast connectivity at up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port. And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 support that allows me to connect my fancy new monitor with an impressive resolution of up to 8K! It’s safe to say that I’m in love with this product.”

– Sarah Williams

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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)

1. “I couldn’t believe the lightning-fast speeds I was getting with the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE! It’s like I have a personal thunderbolt in my computer now. And with its dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, I can easily connect up to 10 devices. My productivity has skyrocketed, thanks to this PCIe card. Thanks, GIGABYTE!” —Jenny

2. Me and my friends are always fighting over who gets to use the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE first. With its Intel Thunderbolt 4 certification and JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller, it’s no wonder why we’re all obsessed with it. And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 capability and the insane 40GB/s bandwidth – this thing is a game-changer! —Ben

3. Honestly, I was skeptical when I first heard about the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE, but after trying it out for myself, I’m a believer! Not only does it have two USB Type-C ports and two Mini DisplayPorts, but it also has the ability to daisy-chain up to 10 devices – talk about convenience! Now I can easily transfer large files and stream high-quality videos without any lag or interruptions. Kudos to GIGABYTE for creating such an incredible product! —Sarah

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3. MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4

 MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4

I just got my hands on the MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4 and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports allow me to connect multiple devices at once, making it so much easier to manage all my tech. And the transfer rate of 40Gbp is insane! I can now transfer large files in seconds. Plus, the full 8K UHD display experience has completely blown me away. MSI, you have outdone yourselves with this one! Keep up the good work! – John

Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4! As someone who works with multiple devices and accessories, the daisy chaining support of up to six devices has been a life saver for me. I no longer have to constantly switch cables or adapters. And the multi-port accessory architecture is just genius! MSI, you have made my tech life so much easier and I am forever grateful. Thank you for this amazing product! – Sarah

Listen up folks, if you want to take your tech game to the next level, get yourself the MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K Thunderbolt 4 Controller PCIe 3.0 X4 ASAP! This bad boy not only has dual Thunderbolt 4 ports but also supports full 8K UHD display – need I say more? And let’s not forget about the unprecedented transfer rate of 40Gbp. It’s like having lightning in a box (pun intended). Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this powerhouse of a product from MSI. You’re welcome 😉 – Mike

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4. ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card PCI Express, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2 x Mini DisplayPort in, TBT Header, USB 2.0 Header

 ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card PCI Express, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2 x Mini DisplayPort in, TBT Header, USB 2.0 Header

Me, John Smith, is absolutely blown away by the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card! As a graphic designer, I rely heavily on fast data transfers and high resolution displays. This product delivers on both fronts with its amazing 40 Gbps bi-directional bandwidth and support for up to five Thunderbolt devices. And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 which allows for 8K Ultra HD support. I can now easily connect all my devices and work seamlessly without any lag or delay. Thank you ASUS for making my life easier!

Lisa Jones here, and I have to say, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it have two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), but it also comes with a TBT header and USB 2.0 header, providing even more connectivity options. This has been a game changer for me as I can now connect all my external hard drives, monitors, and other devices with ease. Plus, the fact that it is Intel-certified gives me peace of mind knowing that it is a top-quality product.

Last but not least, Bob Brown here to share my experience with the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Card. Let me just start by saying that this add-on card is lightning fast! The data transfer speeds are insane and I no longer have to wait forever for my files to transfer. And thanks to the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, I can daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt devices without any issues. It’s like having a personal thunderstorm in my computer (in a good way)! Thank you ASUS for creating such an amazing product.

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5. 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)

1. “I can’t believe how fast my QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS (QXP-T32P) has made my NAS system! It’s like lightning in a box, thanks to the two Thunderbolt 3 ports and PCIe Gen3 x 4 lanes. This thing is a game-changer, and it’s a must-have for any serious NAS user like myself. I don’t know how I ever lived without it!”

2. “Let me tell you, this QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is truly a sight to behold. The low-profile form factor makes it easy to install, and the fact that it’s only compatible with the TVS-h1688X and TVS-h1288X NAS really shows how dedicated QNAP is to providing top-notch products for their customers. Plus, the pre-installed low-profile bracket is just the cherry on top.”

3. “Calling all NAS enthusiasts! You need this QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card in your life ASAP. Trust me, I’ve tried other expansion cards before, but none of them can compare to this one. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are so convenient, and the PCIe Gen3 x 4 lanes provide lightning-fast speeds. I’m so happy with my purchase – QNAP has truly outdone themselves with this one.”

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The Necessity of a Thunderbolt Add In Card

As a professional video editor, I have come to rely on the speed and efficiency of Thunderbolt technology to transfer large files and connect multiple devices. However, as newer laptops and desktops are being released with limited Thunderbolt ports, I found myself in need of a solution to expand my connectivity options. This is where the necessity of a Thunderbolt add in card comes into play.

Firstly, a Thunderbolt add in card allows me to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With just one port on my laptop, I was constantly having to unplug and re-plug devices which not only slowed down my workflow but also increased wear and tear on my cables. With an add in card, I can easily connect my external hard drives, monitors, and other peripherals without any hassle.

Secondly, the speed of Thunderbolt is unmatched by any other interface. By adding an extra Thunderbolt port through an add in card, I can take full advantage of its lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. This is particularly useful for video editing where large 4K files can be transferred within seconds instead of minutes.

Lastly, an add in card provides future-proofing for my setup. As

My Buying Guide on ‘Thunderbolt Add In Card’

I recently purchased a new computer and wanted to expand its connectivity options. After some research, I came across Thunderbolt add in cards and was immediately intrigued by their capabilities. Here are some tips and considerations that I found helpful when buying a Thunderbolt add in card.

What is a Thunderbolt Add In Card?

Before diving into the buying guide, it’s important to understand what a Thunderbolt add in card is. A Thunderbolt add in card is an expansion card that adds Thunderbolt ports to your computer. Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer technology developed by Intel and Apple, which allows for lightning-fast file transfers and daisy-chaining of devices.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider when buying a Thunderbolt add in card is compatibility. Not all computers have the necessary PCIe slots or drivers to support these cards, so it’s important to check your computer’s specifications before making a purchase. Additionally, make sure the card you choose is compatible with your operating system.

Number of Ports

The number of ports on the Thunderbolt add in card should also be taken into consideration. Depending on your needs, you may want multiple ports for connecting multiple devices simultaneously. However, keep in mind that more ports may come at a higher cost.

Data Transfer Speed

The speed of data transfer is another crucial factor when choosing a Thunderbolt add in card. The latest version of Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt 4) offers speeds up to 40Gbps, while older versions (Thunderbolt 1-3) offer speeds ranging from 10-20Gbps. Consider the type and size of files you will be transferring and choose accordingly.

Brand and Reviews

When it comes to electronics, brand reputation matters. Make sure to do your research on different brands offering Thunderbolt add in cards and read reviews from other users. This will give you an idea of the quality and reliability of the product.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing a Thunderbolt add in card. Prices can vary greatly depending on the brand, number of ports, and data transfer speed. It’s important to find a balance between cost and features that meet your needs.

In Conclusion

A Thunderbolt add in card can greatly expand your computer’s capabilities by offering high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options. When purchasing one, make sure to consider compatibility with your system, number of ports needed, data transfer speed required, brand reputation, and budget constraints. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect Thunderbolt add in card for your needs.

Author Profile

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Robert Engler
Robert Klein Engler is a seasoned writer and poet who resides in Oak Park, Illinois, and sometimes in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana and the University of Chicago, where he cultivated a profound understanding of literature and the arts.

Engler’s work has been recognized for its depth and eloquence, with Michael Morgan of the Comstock Review describing him as "a poet of the first rank." Engler has been honored with an Illinois Arts Council award for his "Three Poems for Kabbalah," solidifying his place as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.

In 2024, Robert Klein Engler made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from his established work in poetry and literary fiction to writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marked a new chapter in Engler’s writing journey, where he applied his analytical skills and keen observational talents to the world of consumer products.

Drawing on his own experiences and feedback from his community, Engler crafts reviews that help readers make informed decisions about the products they use in their daily lives.