Problem with AMD Thunderbolt 3 connection
Problem with AMD Thunderbolt 3 connection
I finally managed to collect my TB3 dock from work and head home. My goal is to connect it so I can switch my monitor and keyboard/mouse from my desktop to my MacBook using just one cable. The challenge is that my desktop runs AMD, and finding Thunderbolt support on AMD systems is uncommon. My setup: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro (10.0.19041 Build 19041), G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB), 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM, DDR4 3600 AMD RYZEN 5 3600X at 3.8GHz, AORUS GP-ASM2NE6100TTTD 1000 GB, ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi), ATX motherboard EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 GQ (1000W, 80PLUS), and a LiAN LI PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition Black. My motherboard doesn’t support Thunderbolt from what I have. I’m considering upgrading to an ASRock X570 TAICHI AM4 board, which would provide TB3 and the needed front USB-C connector—something that fits with my existing components. I have a PCIe Gen 4 slot for the EVGA SuperNOVA M.2, but I’d need a TB3 PCIe extension card, like the Thunderbolt 3 AIC R2.0, which is currently out of stock. I read the Gigabyte GC-ALPINE RIDGE could work too, but I’m not sure. Is there another more affordable alternative I haven’t considered? I noticed the ASRock X570 CREATOR has a built-in TB3 port instead of requiring an extra card, though it’s either unavailable or very expensive in Canada.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-E supports an extra PCIe X16 slot for your NAS upgrade, aiming for 10GbE speeds. The Thunderbolt EX3 is compatible with AMD motherboards, as shown in the compatible models list despite both being ASUS products.
The Thunderbolt EX3 doesn't fit properly. The connector on the cable only has 6 pins, while the motherboard requires 14-1. I think the THUNDERBOLTEX 3-TR might work, but it's not available everywhere. It's hard to say which other card would be suitable.