Gigabyte add-on card brings Thunderbolt 5 to existing desktop PCs

Gigabyte's Thunderbolt 5 card adds USB-C ports to desktops, enabling higher data transfer and monitor support.

: Gigabyte has introduced an add-on card featuring Intel's Thunderbolt 5 standard, offering 80Gbps transfer speeds with a 120Gbps peak in certain scenarios. This card, compatible with PCIe 4.0 motherboards, provides two USB-C and three Mini-DisplayPort outputs, supporting daisy-chaining of multiple devices. Power Delivery 3.1 allows up to 100W transmission, and the card can support two 4K 144Hz or one 8K 60Hz monitors, expanding multitasking and connectivity options.

Gigabyte recently unveiled an add-on card that integrates Intel's Thunderbolt 5 standard into existing desktop PCs, offering users enhanced data transfer and peripheral connectivity options. The card is equipped with five ports, two of which are USB-C, and three Mini-DisplayPort outputs, capable of supporting two 4K 144Hz monitors or one 8K 60Hz monitor simultaneously.

The Thunderbolt 5 card supports an alternate mode, boosting bidirectional transfer speeds to 120Gbps for certain devices, though this only works with cables up to two meters long. Additionally, it includes Power Delivery 3.1 to transmit up to 100W, catering to users looking to power or charge connected devices via USB-C ports.

While installation requirements remain somewhat unclear, Gigabyte targets DIY builders who previously selected Intel Alder Lake Core Ultra 200 motherboards, which default to Thunderbolt 4 support. Asus provides a competing ThunderboltEX 5 card with further details about daisy-chaining capabilities, expanding the utility for future Thunderbolt 5 peripheral support.