The new ThunderboltEX 3-TR now offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports with 40 Gb/s via a USB C-type and a second Mini DisplayPort.
Based on Intel’s Thunderbolt “Titan Ridge” controller chip, which was introduced in early 2018, ASUS is re-launching the ThunderboltEX 3 expansion card, designed for the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.
ASUS ThunderboltEX 3-TR, new expansion card for Z490 and H470
Like its predecessor, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 3-TR is designed to be installed in the classic PCIe 3.0 x4 slots on motherboards, but the change of the Thunderbolt 3 controller from Intel’s “Alpine Ridge” to “Titan Ridge” enables a wide range of functions.
While the first-generation ThunderboltEX 3 ASUS can only be equipped with a fast TB3 connector, the Titan Ridge model is equipped with two of these multifunctional outputs. In addition, instead of the Mini DisplayPort from the 1.2 standards, the connector panel now offers twice as many inputs from the Mini DisplayPort, which, when connected to the graphics card, loop the image signal through and meet the 1.4 specifications.
According to ASUS, the ThunderboltEX 3-TR with the JHL7540 Titan Ridge chip should be compatible with all new motherboards with Z490 and H470 chipsets that have a corresponding Thunderbolt 3 head on the board. A 6-pin PCIe connector is required for additional power supply. The Z490 ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme motherboard, which was introduced in April with the introduction of the Comet Lake-S, is already equipped ex factory with the new ThunderboltEX 3-TR Thunderbolt 3 card at a recommended retail price of 999 EUR.
Availability and price
ASUS has not yet disclosed when ThunderboltEX 3-TR might be available on the market and when it will be launched, the manufacturer has not yet disclosed. The predecessor with an Alpenkamm chip will be sold for about 60 EUR. Corresponding solutions are already available from ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI, but they are not available in stores as Thunderbolt 3 expansion cards. We will keep you up to date.
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