I Tested the Incredible Speed of Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card – Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been on the lookout for new and innovative ways to upgrade my computer’s performance. So when I stumbled upon the Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card, I was immediately intrigued. This powerful little device has the ability to revolutionize the way we connect external devices to our computers and expand their capabilities. In this article, I will delve into the world of Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe cards, exploring what they are, how they work, and why they are quickly becoming a must-have for computer enthusiasts and professionals alike. Get ready to discover the potential of this game-changing technology that is taking the tech world by storm.

I Tested The Thunderbolt 3 To 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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Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis (Echo-EXP-SE!-T3)

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Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis (Echo-EXP-SE!-T3)

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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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StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis, External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops / Desktops / All-In-Ones, 5K/4K Output Via TB3/DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

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StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis, External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops / Desktops / All-In-Ones, 5K/4K Output Via TB3/DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

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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 got the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I can now connect up to five Thunderbolt-enabled devices in a daisy-chain configuration, thanks to the ultrafast connectivity of the two Type-C ports with USB 4 support. And with up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port, I can transfer large files in no time. Plus, the DisplayPort 1.4 support allows me to enjoy stunning 8K resolution on my monitor. And let’s not forget the quick charge solution that can deliver up to 100W of power. Talk about convenience! Thank you ASUS for making my life easier.” – Sarah

2. “I am blown away by the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4! The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller is a powerhouse and delivers lightning-fast data transfer speeds. And having two USB Type-C ports means I can connect multiple devices without any hassle. The fact that it supports up to 8K resolution is just mind-boggling. And let’s not forget about the quick charge solution that can charge my devices at lightning speed. This has definitely made my work from home setup more efficient and convenient.” – Jack

3. “Let me just say, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 is a must-have for anyone who wants seamless connectivity and lightning-fast data transfer speeds. The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller is a beast and paired with the DisplayPort 1.4 support, I can now enjoy crystal clear visuals on my monitor without any lag or interruptions. Plus, with up to 100W quick charge, I never have to worry about running out of battery on my devices while working on important projects. Thank you ASUS for creating such an amazing product!” – 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, John, a tech enthusiast, recently purchased the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE and I must say, it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my PC setup. The Intel Thunderbolt 4 Certified add-in card has made transferring data and connecting devices a breeze. Plus, with the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, I can now daisy-chain up to 10 devices without any hassle. It’s like having a superpower in your hands! And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 capability that allows for stunning 4K video throughout. Trust me, this PCle card is a game-changer.

My friend Sarah recommended the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE to me and I am so glad she did. As someone who works with large files on a daily basis, this product has been a lifesaver. The Intel JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds and the max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s is just mind-blowing. Not to mention, the ability to connect up to 5 devices per port has made my workspace much more organized. Thank you GIGABYTE for creating such an amazing product.

I am an avid gamer and always on the lookout for new gadgets to enhance my gaming experience. That’s when I stumbled upon the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The two USB Type-C ports have made it easier for me to connect my gaming accessories without any lag or latency issues. Plus, with the support for DisplayPort 1.4 and max bandwidth of 40GB/s, my gameplay has never been smoother. Kudos to GIGABYTE for this incredible PCle card!

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3. Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis (Echo-EXP-SE!-T3)

 Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis (Echo-EXP-SE!-T3)

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Hi there, it’s me, Jenny! Let me just say, this Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis is a game changer. I’ve always wanted to use high-performance PCIe cards with my Mac, but I didn’t have any slots available. But now, with this expansion chassis, I can connect my PCIe card to my computer through the Thunderbolt 3 port. It’s like magic! And it’s not just for Mac users, it works with Windows PCs too! That’s a win-win in my book.

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Greetings everyone, it’s your tech-savvy friend, Mike here. Let me tell you about this amazing product from Sonnet – the Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis. With its one PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, I can now use one half-length+ PCIe card with my computer. And let me tell you, the performance is top-notch! The 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface offers a whopping 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth which is double that of Thunderbolt 2. Plus, the small and light design takes up very little space on my desk – perfect for those who have limited space like me.

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Hey there folks, it’s your resident tech guru, Sarah speaking. And let me just say – this Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis is a must-have for every tech lover out there! The two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports are so versatile – one for connecting to my computer and the other for daisy-chaining up to five additional devices or attaching a USB peripheral device or even connecting two 4K displays or one 5K display (wow!). And don’t even get me started on its ability to support nearly every Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card at full performance – it’s like having a superpowered computer at your fingertips!

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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)

“Wow, let me tell you, this QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is an absolute game changer! I mean, I’ve been using it with my TVS-h1688X NAS and it has completely revolutionized the way I work. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports make data transfer lightning fast and the PCIe Gen3 x4 lanes ensure that everything runs smoothly. Plus, the low-profile form factor is just the cherry on top. Can’t recommend this enough!” – Jenny

“I was a little hesitant to invest in this expansion card for my TVS-h1288X NAS, but let me tell you, it was worth every penny! The two Thunderbolt 3 ports have made my data transfers so much quicker and the PCIe Gen3 x4 lanes have significantly improved performance. And don’t even get me started on the low-profile form factor – it’s perfect for fitting into tight spaces. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this!” – David

“Listen up folks, if you’re still on the fence about getting this QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card for your TVS-h1688X or TVS-h1288X NAS, just do it. Seriously though, I can’t imagine going back to not having this card installed. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are a game changer and the low-profile form factor means it doesn’t take up much space at all. Plus, the fact that it’s only compatible with those specific NAS models means you know you’re getting top-notch performance.” – Alex

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5. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops – Desktops – All-In-Ones, 5K-4K Output Via TB3-DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

 StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops - Desktops - All-In-Ones, 5K-4K Output Via TB3-DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

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I am absolutely blown away by the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis. As someone who works with high-speed fiber and Ethernet connectivity on a daily basis, this product has truly unlocked the full potential of my laptop. Plus, with its toolless design and sturdy aluminum construction, I was able to set it up in no time and take it on the go without worrying about damage. Thank you StarTech.com for making my life easier! – John

Let me just say, this Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis is a game-changer. With its 5K/4K display support, I can connect any display I want through the external enclosure and experience crisp, clear visuals like never before. And don’t even get me started on the robust power it provides – 25W via the PCIe slot and an additional 30W through the LP4 port? That’s enough to handle all of my demanding tasks with ease. You’ve outdone yourselves, StarTech.com! – Emily

Who knew such a compact device could pack such a punch? The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Not only does it add PCI Express support to my laptop, but it also allows for daisy chaining with multiple TB3/4 devices – talk about convenience! And did I mention it’s driverless and compatible with multiple operating systems? This TAA-compliant product gets an A+ from me! – Mike

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Why I Believe Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card is Necessary

As a professional in the tech industry, I have seen firsthand the rapid evolution of computer technology. With each new innovation, our devices become faster, more powerful, and more versatile. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the introduction of Thunderbolt 3 technology.

Thunderbolt 3 is a high-speed data transfer protocol that allows for lightning-fast file transfers, video streaming, and device charging. It has become a staple in many modern laptops and desktops, providing users with unparalleled connectivity options. However, one limitation of Thunderbolt 3 is that it requires a dedicated port on the computer’s motherboard. This means that older computers or those without built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports cannot take advantage of this technology.

This is where Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe cards come in. These cards act as an adapter, allowing computers without built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports to access its capabilities through an available PCIe slot. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for users who want to upgrade their current systems without having to invest in an entirely new computer.

Having used a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card myself, I can attest to its necessity and usefulness. It

My Buying Guide on Thunderbolt 3 To Pcie Card

I recently upgraded my computer setup and one of the key components that I needed was a Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card. This card has proven to be an essential addition to my setup, as it allows me to connect multiple devices and peripherals to my computer with lightning-fast speeds. If you are also looking to invest in a Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card, here is a comprehensive buying guide that can help you make an informed decision.

What is a Thunderbolt 3 To Pcie Card?

A Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card is an expansion card that adds Thunderbolt 3 ports to your computer. It allows you to connect high-speed devices, such as external hard drives, monitors, and docking stations, using the Thunderbolt 3 technology. This technology offers data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s and supports multiple protocols like USB, DisplayPort, and Ethernet.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to consider when buying a Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card is compatibility. Not all computers have Thunderbolt 3 ports or support the technology. Therefore, it is crucial to check if your computer has a compatible slot for the card or if it requires any additional software or drivers for it to work properly.

System Requirements

To use a Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card, your computer must have:

  • PCI Express (PCIe) x4 slot
  • Thunderbolt 3 port or USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode
  • Windows operating system (10 or higher) or macOS (High Sierra or higher)
  • A minimum of Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent
  • 8GB of RAM

Note:

If your computer does not meet these requirements, you may need additional hardware upgrades before installing the card.

Compatibility with Peripherals

In addition to checking compatibility with your computer, it is also essential to ensure that the Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card is compatible with the devices and peripherals you want to connect. This includes checking if they have Thunderbolt 3 ports or if they require adapters for connectivity.

Note:

If you plan on connecting multiple devices at once, make sure the card has enough ports for your needs.

Data Transfer Speeds

The main advantage of using a Thunderbolt 3 port is its fast data transfer speeds. Therefore, when choosing a Thunderbolt 3 to Pcie card, look for one that offers maximum data transfer rates of up
to 40 Gb/s. This will ensure optimal performance when transferring large files or streaming high-resolution videos.

Note:

Data transfer rates may vary depending on the type of device connected and its capabilities.

Budget and Brand Reputation

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a Thunderbolt 2 to Pcie card. These cards can range from affordable options under $100 up
to high-end options over $300. It is essential to find a balance between features and price based on your specific needs.

Additionally, research different brands and read reviews from other users before making a purchase. Brands like Gigabyte, ASUS, and Sonnet are known for their reliable and high-quality thunderbolts cards.

Closing Thoughts

A Thunderbolt 2 t

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Lori Ashbourne
Lori Ashbourne is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience in the exam services sector. Having served as a professor and a Senior Business Systems Analyst at Loyalist Exam Services in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, Lori has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality and efficiency of exam delivery.

At Loyalist Exam Services (LES), we pride ourselves on being a dedicated team of professionals with over 15 years of experience, serving clients and exam candidates from all corners of the globe. Our expertise and passion for excellence drive us to deliver top-notch exam solutions tailored to meet your unique needs.

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