ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 review exploring features, performance, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 immediately stands out with its sleek black finish and compact form factor. Its dimensions, 9.1 x 7.3 x 2.4 inches, make it a perfect fit for most setups without dominating your build’s interior. While installing the product, I noticed it feels sturdy and well-constructed, which is always reassuring. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are elegantly positioned for easy access, and the inclusion of two mini DisplayPort IN ports adds a functional flair. However, the one catch is that it’s only compatible with ASUS motherboards, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The overall aesthetic and high-quality materials make it feel like a premium addition to your PC.

Performance and Speed: A Game-Changer

The performance of this card is where it truly shines. With Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller, you’re looking at up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth. Testing it with multiple devices, I connected a monitor, an external SSD, and a docking station in a daisy-chain configuration, and the transfer speeds were nothing short of impressive. The DisplayPort 1.4 support handled my 8K monitor effortlessly, delivering crystal-clear visuals without any hiccups. The 100W quick charge feature was a pleasant surprise, especially when charging my laptop. It’s rare to find such a combination of speed and functionality bundled into one card.

Key Benefits

• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for ultra-fast connectivity.
• Supports up to five devices in a daisy-chain configuration.
• DisplayPort 1.4 compatibility ensures it supports 8K resolution monitors.
• 100W quick charge capability is ideal for charging high-powered devices.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While this card excels in many areas, it does have its shortcomings. The requirement for an ASUS motherboard is a significant limitation. You’re out of luck if your setup involves another brand. Additionally, during testing, I noticed that the 100W quick charge performance varied slightly depending on the connected devices, which might be a concern for users relying heavily on consistent charging speeds.

• Works exclusively with ASUS motherboards.
• Minor inconsistencies in quick charge performance under certain conditions.

User Experience and Versatility

I tested this card with a variety of devices, including external SSDs, monitors, and a Thunderbolt docking station. The daisy-chaining feature made multitasking seamless. I could transfer large files to the SSD while simultaneously streaming content on the monitor without any noticeable lag. The versatility of the USB 4 technology ensures compatibility with newer devices, which is a huge plus for someone constantly upgrading their setup. However, I did find that the setup process could be tricky for beginners, as the manual wasn’t as detailed as I’d hoped.

Competing Brands

Comparing this card to competitors like Gigabyte’s GC-Titan Ridge or MSI’s Thunderbolt M3, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 outpaces them in terms of performance and connectivity. While the Gigabyte GC-Titan Ridge offers decent Thunderbolt 3 capabilities, it lags behind with its lower max bandwidth and lack of USB 4 support. MSI’s option, on the other hand, doesn’t match the 100W quick charge feature provided by ASUS, which is a game-changer for users juggling multiple power-hungry devices. However, both competitors have broader compatibility with various motherboards, which is worth considering if you’re not tied to ASUS hardware.

Smart Spending

Given its features and performance, this product offers excellent value for its price range. Compared to other Thunderbolt cards, the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 manages to pack in high-speed connectivity, quick charging, and 8K display support into one device, making it a worthwhile investment. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the added functionalities justify the cost, especially for users looking to future-proof their setup. If you’re already using an ASUS motherboard, this card becomes a no-brainer for unlocking the full potential of your system.

Additional information