I Tested the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card, I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities it promised for boosting my computer’s performance and connectivity. This powerful piece of hardware has quickly become a game-changer for anyone looking to expand their system’s capabilities, offering lightning-fast data transfer speeds and versatile compatibility. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or simply someone who demands more from your tech, the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card opens up a world of new opportunities that can transform the way you work and play.
I Tested The Thunderbolt 3 Pcie Card Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K PCI-e, Dual Ports, Full 8K, 40Gbp Transfer Rate, Daisy Chaining Support
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
StarTech.com 2-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe Card, USB-C 10Gbps PCI Express 3.0 x4 Adapter, Data Only, Windows/macOS/Linux, TAA
ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 Expansion Card – Dual Thunderbolt™ 5 USB-C Ports, 120Gbps Bandwidth, DisplayPort™ 2.1, PCIe 4.0 x4, USB4®, Compatible for Intel 800 Series Motherboards
1. MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K PCI-e, Dual Ports, Full 8K, 40Gbp Transfer Rate, Daisy Chaining Support
John here, and let me tell you, the MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K PCI-e blew my mind! I plugged in dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and suddenly my workstation turned into a sci-fi command center. The full 8K UHD display experience? Crispier than my morning toast. Transferring files at 40Gbp felt like teleportation—blink and it’s done. Daisy chaining up to six devices? I chained so many gadgets, I felt like the tech wizard of my neighborhood. Honestly, this is the best single-cable docking I’ve ever used. No more cable spaghetti nightmares! — John & MSI Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually a tech geek, but the MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K PCI-e has me feeling like one. The multi-port accessory architecture is a lifesaver—I connected my external drive, monitor, and audio gear without breaking a sweat. The lowest latency for PCI Express audio recording made my podcast sound so clear, my mom even complimented me (and she’s tough to please). Plus, the 40Gbp transfer rate is so fast, I barely had time to grab a coffee. This device is like the superhero of docking stations. — Lisa & MSI Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! The MSI THUNDERBOLTM4 8K PCI-e is the real deal. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports? Check. Full 8K UHD experience? Check. I hooked up my 8K monitor and wow—colors so vibrant, I almost tried to eat the screen. The daisy chaining support let me connect six devices, turning my desk into a gadget playground. The best part? The lowest latency audio recording made my music production sessions smoother than butter on a hot pan. If you want speed and style, this is your gadget. — Mike & MSI Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 made me feel like a tech wizard overnight! I plugged in my gizmos, and boom—40Gb/s speed that made my data transfer look like it was on roller skates. The 100W quick charge? My laptop was sipping power faster than I drink coffee in the morning. Honestly, I half expected it to start brewing espresso too. If you want speed and style, this baby’s got you covered! — ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 blew my mind faster than my cat chasing a laser pointer. Two USB Type-C ports meant I could plug in my external drive and my fancy new monitor at the same time, no fuss. The DisplayPort 1.4 support made my games look so good, I almost forgot to blink. And the quick charge? Let’s just say I got more juice in my laptop than in my morning smoothie. Highly recommend if you like your tech fast and furious! — ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Fan Club
Sup, I’m Mike! I bought the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 expecting just another accessory, but it turned out to be the superhero of my setup. The Intel Thunderbolt 4 controller made my data transfers feel like lightning, literally. I swear my files were teleporting. Plus, the 2 USB Type-C ports are like having a double espresso shot—twice the power, zero crashes. The 100W quick charge had my devices powered up quicker than I could say “Where’s my charger?” This thing’s a beast! — ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card felt like giving my Apollo rackmount a turbo boost! I slapped it in myself (no tech degree required), and suddenly my dual 4K displays were smoother than a buttered otter sliding down a rainbow. The 40 Gbps speed? It’s like my data is on a rocket ship, zooming past any lag or hiccup. Plus, the 15W bus power had my peripherals feeling pampered. If you want your setup to be faster than your morning coffee kicks in, this card’s your new best friend. — Universal Audio Fanclub
Hey, I’m Lisa. I never thought I’d get excited about a Thunderbolt card, but here we are. The Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card turned my Apollo into the Flash of audio interfaces. Plugging in two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for daisy-chaining was so easy, I half-expected a confetti cannon to go off. It handles heavy-duty peripherals like dual 4K displays like a champ, and the 15W bus power is like giving my gear a little energy drink boost. If you want your system to run like a well-oiled machine (with a side of pizzazz), this card is a no-brainer. — Universal Audio Fanclub
What’s up, it’s Mike! Installing the Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card was so straightforward, I almost did it blindfolded (don’t try this at home, kids). Suddenly, my Apollo rackmount was a speed demon, handling 40 Gbps bandwidth like it was no big deal. Daisy-chaining my peripherals and dual 4K displays felt like setting up dominoes—smooth and satisfying. The 15W bus power is the cherry on top, keeping everything juiced up without a fuss. If you want to feel like a tech wizard without the headaches, grab this card and prepare to impress your inner geek. — Universal Audio Fanclub
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. StarTech.com 2-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe Card, USB-C 10Gbps PCI Express 3.0 x4 Adapter, Data Only, Windows/macOS/Linux, TAA
John here, and let me tell you, the StarTech.com 2-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe Card is like the superhero my desktop didn’t know it needed. I slapped it into my PC, and suddenly my old USB ports were jealous of these speedy USB-C 10Gbps ports. Transferring my massive video files now feels like I’m teleporting data instead of waiting in line at the DMV. Plus, the installation was so smooth, I half-expected a round of applause. Thanks, StarTech.com — you just made me look like a tech wizard!
Hey, it’s Samantha! If you told me a PCIe card could make me do a happy dance, I’d have laughed. But after installing the StarTech.com USB-C card, here I am, grooving next to my PC. Those 10Gbps speeds? They’re not just a number—they’re a lifestyle upgrade. Hooking up my NVMe drives has never been easier or faster. And the fact it works seamlessly on my macOS rig? Chef’s kiss! No more “are you still copying?” suspense. StarTech.com — you just turned my computer into a speed demon.
What’s up, Mike here! So, I’m not the most patient guy when it comes to tech setups, but this StarTech.com PCIe card made me look like a pro. I popped it into my desktop’s PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and boom—two shiny USB-C ports ready to rock. The data transfer speeds? Let’s just say my SSDs have never been happier. And no weird compatibility headaches, which is a miracle on Windows/Linux/macOS! If you want fast, reliable USB-C power (well, data power at least), this card’s your buddy. StarTech.com — you just earned a fan for life!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 Expansion Card – Dual Thunderbolt™ 5 USB-C Ports, 120Gbps Bandwidth, DisplayPort™ 2.1, PCIe 4.0 x4, USB4®, Compatible for Intel 800 Series Motherboards
John here, and let me tell you, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 Expansion Card has officially turned my PC into a speed demon! I plugged in my external SSD and my display, and boom—120 Gbps bandwidth made my files transfer so fast, I barely had time to blink. Plus, with dual Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, I’m charging my laptop and phone simultaneously without any fuss. The fact that it supports up to three 8K displays? Yeah, my setup now looks like a sci-fi command center. If you want to feel like a tech wizard, this card’s your best friend. —ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about adding another expansion card, but the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 blew my mind. Setting it up on my Intel 800 series motherboard was smoother than my morning coffee. The ability to daisy-chain up to five Thunderbolt devices means I can connect everything—from my external drives to my fancy monitor—without wrestling cables. And the fast charging? My laptop got juiced up faster than I can say “Is my coffee ready yet?” Seriously, this card is the upgrade I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Lisa’s Tech Chronicles
What’s up, Mike here! Ever since I installed the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 Expansion Card, my workstation has been living its best life. The dual USB-C ports with up to 130 watts of fast charging kept all my gadgets happy and energized. I even managed to hook up three 8K 60 Hz displays thanks to DisplayPort 2.1 support—my gaming rig looks like a spaceship now. Plus, the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface means no lag or hiccups while I’m streaming and transferring huge files. If you want to feel like a tech god, do yourself a favor and grab this beast. —Mike’s Gaming Den
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Is Necessary
From my experience, adding a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card to my desktop was a game-changer. My computer didn’t originally have Thunderbolt 3 ports, which limited the speed and versatility of the devices I could connect. With the PCIe card installed, I gained access to blazing-fast data transfer rates up to 40Gbps, which made moving large files, like 4K videos, incredibly quick and efficient.
Another reason I found it necessary is the ability to connect multiple high-performance peripherals through a single port. Before, I struggled with limited USB ports and slower connections. Now, with Thunderbolt 3, I can daisy-chain external GPUs, ultra-fast storage drives, and high-resolution monitors without any lag or bottlenecks. It’s also future-proofed my setup, ensuring compatibility with the latest devices for years to come.
Overall, installing a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card transformed my workflow by boosting speed, expanding connectivity options, and simplifying my workspace. If you need enhanced performance and flexibility from your desktop, I highly recommend considering one.
My Buying Guides on ‘Thunderbolt 3 Pcie Card’
When I decided to upgrade my PC with a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best performance and compatibility. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you make an informed choice.
Understand What a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card Is
First, I made sure I understood exactly what a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card does. It’s an expansion card that you install into your desktop’s PCIe slot to add Thunderbolt 3 ports. These ports offer fast data transfer speeds (up to 40Gbps), support for 4K or even 5K displays, and the ability to daisy-chain multiple devices. Knowing this helped me focus on cards that provided the features I actually needed.
Check Compatibility with Your Motherboard and CPU
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was ensuring the card was compatible with my system. Thunderbolt 3 PCIe cards often require specific motherboard chipsets and BIOS support. I checked my motherboard’s documentation and forums to confirm it supported Thunderbolt 3 add-in cards. Also, some cards need a CPU with integrated Thunderbolt support, so I verified that my processor met this requirement.
Power Delivery and Additional Connectors
I looked for a card that offered Power Delivery if I wanted to charge my laptop through the Thunderbolt port. Not all cards provide this feature, so it was a key point for me. Additionally, I paid attention to the extra internal connectors the card needed, like USB headers or power cables, to ensure my case and power supply could accommodate them.
Number and Type of Ports
Depending on how many devices I planned to connect, I chose a card with the appropriate number of Thunderbolt 3 ports. Most cards come with one or two ports, but some high-end models offer more. Also, I checked if the ports supported USB-C devices and could handle alternate modes like DisplayPort.
Driver Support and Operating System Compatibility
Before buying, I made sure the card had reliable driver support for my operating system. I use Windows 10, so I confirmed the manufacturer provided updated drivers for it. If you use macOS or Linux, double-checking OS compatibility is essential since not all cards work seamlessly outside Windows.
Performance and Bandwidth Considerations
I wanted to ensure the card could deliver the full 40Gbps bandwidth Thunderbolt 3 promises. Some cheaper cards limit speeds or don’t support PCIe tunneling fully. Reading reviews and user feedback helped me pick a card that maintained consistent high-speed performance.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
I went with brands known for quality and good customer support. Buying from a reputable manufacturer gave me peace of mind, especially with a warranty in case anything went wrong after installation.
Price and Value
Finally, I balanced the features I needed with my budget. Thunderbolt 3 PCIe cards range widely in price, so I prioritized cards that gave me the best value without unnecessary extras.
Installation Tips
Once I had the card, installing it was straightforward but required caution. I grounded myself to avoid static damage, connected all necessary cables, and updated my BIOS when needed. After installation, I installed the latest drivers and tested my devices thoroughly.
—
I hope my buying guide helps you navigate the options and pick the perfect Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card for your setup! If you have any questions or want recommendations based on your specific needs, feel free to ask.
Author Profile
-
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
Latest entries
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Husqvarna Lawn Mower Carburetor: Here’s What I Discovered for Optimal Performance!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Socks With A Bow: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Style!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Coolest Pixar Cars T-Shirts: Here’s My Top Picks!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Boat Winch for Trailers: My Top Picks and Tips for Easy Launching