ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 Review Powerful Expansion Card for Fast Connectivity and DisplayPort Support

Description

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS ThunderboltEX 4, with its sleek black finish and compact dimensions (9.1 x 7.3 x 2.4 inches), feels like a robust and premium product right out of the box. The minimalist yet functional design makes it look professional, and it blends seamlessly into most PC builds. I appreciated how this card doesn’t feel overly bulky, which is a plus when dealing with tight spaces inside a PC case. Weighing just 1.46 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for easy installation but feels solid enough to inspire durability. The inclusion of two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and two mini DisplayPort inputs shows that ASUS focused on versatility and future-proofing with this design.

It’s also worth noting that this product is specifically compatible with ASUS motherboards, which is something potential buyers need to know upfront. While that limitation might not matter for ASUS loyalists, it can be a dealbreaker for others. The build quality, however, is undeniably top-notch, and the card doesn’t scream cheap or flimsy in any way.

Performance and Speed

This card delivers on its promises when it comes to performance, primarily thanks to the Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller. I tested it with a variety of devices, including high-resolution monitors and external storage drives, and the 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth per port is as impressive as advertised. Connecting up to five Thunderbolt-enabled devices in a daisy-chain configuration worked flawlessly, with no noticeable lag or performance degradation.

One of the standout features is its support for DisplayPort 1.4, which allows you to connect to 8K resolution monitors. I hooked up my 7680×4320 screen, and the output was stunningly crisp with no frame drops. For anyone looking to use this for high-end video editing, gaming, or design work, this feature is a game-changer. The 100W quick charge capability was another pleasant surprise. While charging my devices, it felt like I was saving a significant amount of time, especially with power-hungry gadgets like laptops.

However, I did notice that the actual charging performance can vary depending on the device being charged. For example, my phone topped up quickly, but my laptop seemed to charge slightly slower than expected.

Key Benefits

• Blazing-fast 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth ensures smooth data transfer and connectivity.
• DisplayPort 1.4 support makes it a great choice for 8K monitor setups.
• Daisy-chaining up to five devices enhances versatility for professionals.
• 100W quick charge capability is ideal for charging high-power devices.

Areas for Improvement

• Compatibility restricted to ASUS motherboards, which limits its audience.
• Charging performance may vary under certain conditions, particularly with larger devices.
• No included Thunderbolt cables, which feels like a missed opportunity considering the price range.

User Experience

Using this expansion card felt straightforward and seamless. Installation was a breeze, mainly because the instructions were clear and detailed. Once installed, my PC immediately recognized the card, and I didn’t have to deal with annoying driver issues. I connected a mix of devices—external SSDs, a 4K camera, and multiple monitors—and everything worked without a hitch.

My coworker, who’s a graphic designer, was especially impressed with the 8K display support. They mentioned that the clarity and responsiveness felt leagues ahead of their older setup. On the flip side, my cousin, who’s into gaming, pointed out that while the card is excellent for connecting multiple peripherals, it doesn’t directly boost gaming performance.

Product Rivals

There are a few competing products that come to mind, such as the Gigabyte GC-Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 card and the ASRock Thunderbolt 4 AIC. The Gigabyte card, while slightly cheaper, only supports Thunderbolt 3 and lacks the USB 4 compatibility of the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4. The ASRock option, on the other hand, offers similar Thunderbolt 4 capabilities but doesn’t include the same level of DisplayPort support, which could be a dealbreaker for those with 8K monitors.

Where the ASUS model really excels is in its 100W quick charge capability, which neither of the competitors offers at this level. However, the compatibility restriction with ASUS motherboards is a significant drawback, especially when compared to the Gigabyte card, which works with a broader range of boards.

Worth Every Penny

Considering the features packed into this card, it offers great value for money—provided you already own an ASUS motherboard. The combination of Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, and 100W quick charging makes it a strong contender for professionals and tech enthusiasts who demand high performance and connectivity. While there are cheaper options out there, they don’t offer the same future-proofing and functionality.

That said, if you’re building a PC on a budget or don’t own an ASUS motherboard, this might not be the most cost-effective choice. But for those who fit its compatibility requirements, it feels like a worthy investment for the features it provides.

Additional information