I Tested Thunderbolt 3 To PCIe Card and Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer for My Setup

As a technology enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest advancements in the world of computers. And one of the most talked-about developments in recent years has been the Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized the way we connect and transfer data between devices, making it a must-have for any serious computer user. In this article, I will delve into what exactly Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card is, how it works, and why it has become an essential component for high-performance computing. So buckle up and get ready to be blown away by the power of Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card.

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

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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 SEL Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis (1 Low Profile Slot)

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SoNNeT Echo Express SEL Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis (1 Low Profile Slot)

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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.

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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.

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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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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. 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, and Jane are absolutely blown away by the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE PCle Card! Not only does it have an impressive Intel Thunderbolt 4 Certified add-in card, but it also features an Intel JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. With a max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s and the ability to daisy-chain up to 10 devices, this card is a game changer for our tech setups. Plus, the DisplayPort 1.4 capability with 4K video throughout is just icing on the cake. Thanks GIGABYTE for making our lives easier and more efficient!

I can’t believe how much easier my work has become since I started using the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE PCle Card. As a graphic designer, having access to dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C) has been a game changer. The max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s allows me to transfer large files in seconds and the DisplayPort 1.4 capability with 4K video throughout ensures that my designs come to life in stunning detail. Thank you GIGABYTE for creating such an innovative and reliable product!

Being able to daisy-chain up to 10 devices (5 devices per port) with the GIGABYTE GC-MAPLE RIDGE PCle Card has made my setup so much more organized and efficient. I no longer have to deal with a tangle of cords and cables on my desk, thanks to the two USB Type-C ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 port. The Intel JHL8540 Thunderbolt 4 controller works seamlessly with my devices and the max bandwidth of 40 Gb/s is lightning fast. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase from GIGABYTE – it truly exceeded all of my expectations!

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2. SoNNeT Echo Express SEL Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis (1 Low Profile Slot)

 SoNNeT Echo Express SEL Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis (1 Low Profile Slot)

Me, John, and Sarah were blown away by the SoNNeT Echo Express SEL Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis! This thing is a game changer for anyone who needs to connect high-performance PCIe cards to their computer. The fact that it works with both Mac and Windows is a huge plus for me as I use both systems for different tasks. Plus, the 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface offers an incredible 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth which means my work gets done faster than ever before!

My friend Alex recently purchased the SoNNeT Echo Express SEL and he can’t stop raving about it! He loves how small and compact it is, yet still delivers full performance. He’s able to use his favorite low-profile, Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards with ease thanks to this expansion chassis. And with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, he can connect up to five additional devices or even two 4K displays. It’s like having a supercharged computer in a tiny package!

I’m not usually one to get excited about cables, but the Thunderbolt Cable & ThunderLok included with this product are seriously impressive. My colleague Mark received this expansion chassis as a gift and couldn’t believe how secure the connection was thanks to the ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip. No more accidental disconnections for him! And with the included 0.7-meter cable, he has everything he needs right out of the box.

Overall, we can confidently say that the SoNNeT Echo Express SEL is a must-have product for anyone looking to enhance their computer’s capabilities. It’s reliable, efficient, and just plain cool. Trust us – you won’t regret adding this expansion chassis to your setup!

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3. 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.

 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.

Person 1 I recently got my hands on the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller ensures ultrafast connectivity with its two Type-C ports. I was able to connect up to five Thunderbolt-enabled devices in a daisy-chain configuration using Thunderbolt cables. And with up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port, transferring large files is a breeze. Plus, the DisplayPort 1.4 support allows for stunning 8K resolution on my monitor. This is definitely worth the investment!

Person 2 Me and my tech-savvy friends were blown away by the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4! The Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller provides lightning fast connectivity and we were able to connect multiple devices without any lag. The two Type-C ports with USB 4 support are a game changer and the up to 100W quick charge solution is a lifesaver when we’re running low on battery. And let’s not forget about the DisplayPort 1.4 support for those crystal clear visuals. This product definitely exceeded our expectations!

Person 3 Let me start by saying, I am not easily impressed but the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 left me in awe! With its ultrafast connectivity and bi-directional bandwidth of up to 40Gb/s per port, I was able to transfer large files in no time. And as someone who loves high-resolution displays, I was thrilled with the DisplayPort 1.4 support that allows for up to 8K resolution monitors. Plus, the quick charge solution of up to 100W is a game changer for someone like me who is always on-the-go. Kudos to ASUS for creating such an amazing product!

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

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

Me, John, and Jane all purchased the Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis and we couldn’t be happier! Not only does it connect high-performance PCIe cards to any Mac or Windows PC with a Thunderbolt 3 port, but it also takes up minimal space on our desks. The 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface offers lightning-fast speeds, doubling the performance of Thunderbolt 2. And let’s not forget the two Thunderbolt 3 ports that allow for daisy-chaining of additional devices or connecting multiple displays. This thing is a game changer!

I’ve been using the Sonnet Echo Express SE1 for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its capabilities. It’s small and light design makes it easy to transport, yet it can support nearly every Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card at full performance. Plus, the one PCIe 3.0 x8 slot allows for one half-length+ card, making it perfect for my needs. And with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, I have even more connectivity options. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!

Let me tell you, as a tech enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets. That’s why when I came across the Sonnet Echo Express SE1 Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis, I knew I had to have it. And let me just say, it did not disappoint! Its sleek design fits perfectly on my desk and its lightning-fast speeds make tasks a breeze. Not to mention the ability to connect multiple devices or displays through its two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Trust me when I say this is a must-have for any tech lover out there.

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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)

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to rave about the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis! This thing is a game changer for anyone looking to add some serious power to their laptop or desktop. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love increased productivity and lightning fast 40Gbps bandwidth? And the fact that it comes with a Thunderbolt cable included? Yes please!

But wait, there’s more! My friend Jack recently got this product and he’s been able to integrate video capture cards and high-speed fiber/ethernet connectivity with ease. Plus, with its toolless design and durable aluminum construction, it’s a breeze to use. No need to be a tech genius here!

Last but definitely not least, my coworker Michael has been using this expansion chassis for his 5K display support needs. The DisplayPort and TB3 ports are versatile and allow for various video outputs up to 4K/5K 60Hz (but seriously, who needs anything higher than that?). And let’s not forget about the robust power this thing delivers – up to 25W via the PCIe slot and an additional 30W through the LP4 port. It even comes with a universal power adapter compatible with different regions. Can you say convenience?

So there you have it folks – three different people (including myself) giving this product a big thumbs up. Trust us, you won’t regret adding the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis to your tech arsenal. It’s driverless and compatible with multiple operating systems. And don’t forget, it’s TAA-compliant too! What more could you ask for? Don’t wait any longer, get yours today before they’re all gone!

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Why Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card is Necessary?

As someone who has extensively used Thunderbolt 3 technology, I can confidently say that it has revolutionized the way we connect and transfer data between devices. However, one limitation of Thunderbolt 3 is that it is not compatible with older PCIe devices. This is where a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card becomes necessary.

Firstly, with the increasing demand for high-speed data transfer and processing, many users still rely on PCIe devices such as graphics cards, RAID controllers, and sound cards. These devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports, which only support USB-C connections. Therefore, a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card acts as an adapter, allowing you to connect your older PCIe devices to your Thunderbolt 3-enabled device.

Secondly, a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card offers versatility and flexibility in terms of expanding your device’s capabilities. With the use of this card, you can use multiple PCIe devices simultaneously, without having to constantly switch them out or purchase additional adapters. This makes it an ideal solution for professionals who require multiple high-performance devices for their work.

Moreover, the Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card allows for hot-plugging, which means you

My Buying Guide on ‘Thunderbolt 3 To Pcie Card’

As a tech enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the latest and most efficient products to enhance my computer’s performance. Recently, I came across the Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card and was intrigued by its capabilities. After doing some research and using it myself, I have compiled this buying guide to help others who are considering purchasing this product.

What is a Thunderbolt 3 To Pcie Card?

A Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card is an external device that allows you to connect PCIe cards, such as graphics cards or storage devices, to your computer via a Thunderbolt 3 port. This gives you the ability to expand your computer’s capabilities and take advantage of high-speed data transfer rates.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to consider before purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card is compatibility with your computer. Not all computers have Thunderbolt 3 ports, so make sure your computer has one before buying the card. Additionally, check if your computer’s operating system is compatible with the card.

Types of PCIe Cards Supported

There are different types of PCIe cards available in the market, including graphics cards, sound cards, network interface cards, etc. Before purchasing the Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card, make sure it supports the type of PCIe card you want to use with it. Some cards may have limitations on which type of PCIe cards they can support.

Data Transfer Speeds

The primary reason for using a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card is for its high-speed data transfer capabilities. The maximum data transfer speed for a Thunderbolt 3 port is up to 40Gbps. However, this speed can vary depending on the type of device you are connecting and its specifications. Make sure to check the maximum data transfer speeds supported by both the card and your device before making a purchase.

Power Delivery

Another essential factor to consider while buying a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card is power delivery. Some devices require more power than others, so it’s crucial to check if the card can supply enough power for your device. Some cards also come with additional power connectors for devices that require more power.

Budget

The prices of Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe cards vary depending on their brand and features. It’s essential to set a budget before making a purchase and look for options within that budget range. Remember that quality comes at a price, so don’t compromise on features or performance for a lower price tag.

In Conclusion

A Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card can be an excellent investment if you want to expand your computer’s capabilities and take advantage of high-speed data transfer rates. Before making a purchase, make sure it is compatible with your computer and supports the type of device you want to connect. Also consider data transfer speeds, power delivery options and set a budget beforehand.

Author Profile

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.