1. Introduction
The ASUS ThunderboltEX II/DUAL is an add-on card designed to bring Thunderbolt 2 technology to compatible ASUS motherboards. This card provides two Thunderbolt 2 ports, enabling high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity for various devices. With bi-directional transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps, it offers significantly faster performance compared to USB 3.0. It supports daisy-chaining of up to six Thunderbolt devices and can connect multiple 1080p displays via DisplayPort.
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your ThunderboltEX II/DUAL adapter.
2. Safety Information
Please read the following safety guidelines carefully before installing or operating the device:
- Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before installation.
- Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching a grounded metal object (e.g., the computer chassis) before handling the card.
- Handle the card by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
- Install the card in a well-ventilated computer case to prevent overheating.
- Refer to your motherboard's manual for specific PCIe slot compatibility and Thunderbolt header location.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- ASUS ThunderboltEX II/DUAL Adapter Card
- Thunderbolt Header Cable
- Support CD/DVD (containing drivers and utilities)
- User Manual (this document, or a quick start guide)
4. System Requirements
To ensure proper functionality, your system must meet the following requirements:
- Motherboard: Compatible ASUS motherboard with a dedicated Thunderbolt header. Refer to your motherboard's specifications for compatibility.
- PCIe Slot: An available PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot.
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 64-bit recommended).
- Graphics Card: A graphics card with a DisplayPort output is required for video passthrough functionality.
5. Setup and Installation
5.1 Physical Installation
- Prepare your system: Power off your computer and unplug the power cord. Open the computer case.
- Locate a PCIe slot: Find an available PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot on your motherboard.
- Install the card: Carefully insert the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card into the chosen PCIe slot until it is firmly seated. Secure the card with a screw to the chassis.
- Connect the Thunderbolt Header Cable: Connect one end of the provided Thunderbolt header cable to the Thunderbolt header on the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card and the other end to the dedicated Thunderbolt header on your ASUS motherboard. Refer to your motherboard manual for the exact location of this header.
- Connect DisplayPort Cable (Optional): If you plan to use the DisplayPort passthrough feature for video output through the Thunderbolt ports, connect a DisplayPort cable from the DisplayPort output of your graphics card to the DisplayPort input on the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card.
- Close the case: Once all connections are secure, close your computer case and reconnect the power cord.
Figure 1: Top-down view of the ASUS ThunderboltEX II/DUAL Adapter card, showing the PCIe connector and the two Thunderbolt 2 ports.
Figure 2: Side view of the ASUS ThunderboltEX II/DUAL Adapter card, highlighting the two Thunderbolt 2 ports and the DisplayPort input.
5.2 BIOS Configuration
After physical installation, you may need to configure your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to enable Thunderbolt functionality. The exact steps may vary depending on your motherboard model:
- Power on your computer and press the designated key (usually Del or F2) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Navigate to the Advanced settings.
- Look for a section related to Thunderbolt or Intel Thunderbolt Technology.
- Enable the Thunderbolt controller and configure any related options, such as security levels (e.g., "Security Level: User Authorization" or "No Security").
- Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your system will restart.
5.3 Driver Installation
Once your operating system loads, install the necessary drivers:
- Insert the provided support CD/DVD into your optical drive, or download the latest drivers from the official ASUS support website for your motherboard model and the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card.
- Run the driver setup program and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer after the driver installation is complete.
- Verify the installation in Device Manager (Windows) to ensure the Thunderbolt controller is recognized and functioning correctly.
6. Operating the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL
6.1 Connecting Thunderbolt Devices
The ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card features two Thunderbolt 2 ports. You can connect various Thunderbolt-enabled devices, such as external storage drives, audio interfaces, and docking stations. Thunderbolt 2 supports bi-directional data transfer at up to 20 Gbps.
- Use certified Thunderbolt cables for optimal performance and compatibility.
- You can daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices from a single Thunderbolt port. Connect the first device to the card, then connect the second device to the first, and so on.
- Ensure all devices in the daisy chain are powered on before connecting them to the Thunderbolt port.
6.2 Display Support
The Thunderbolt 2 ports also support DisplayPort functionality. This allows you to connect displays directly to the Thunderbolt ports, or as part of a daisy-chain with other Thunderbolt devices.
- The card supports up to three 1080p displays.
- For video output, ensure your graphics card is connected to the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card via a DisplayPort cable as described in the installation section.
- Some Thunderbolt displays may also provide USB and Ethernet connectivity through the Thunderbolt cable.
7. Maintenance
The ThunderboltEX II/DUAL adapter requires minimal maintenance. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance:
- Keep your computer's interior clean and free of dust to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating.
- Ensure all cables are securely connected.
- Regularly check the ASUS support website for updated drivers and firmware for both the ThunderboltEX II/DUAL card and your motherboard.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your ThunderboltEX II/DUAL adapter, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Card not detected by the system. |
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| Thunderbolt devices not recognized. |
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| No video output from Thunderbolt display. |
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9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | THUNDERBOLTEX II/DUAL |
| Form Factor | Plug-in card |
| Interface (Bus) Type | PCI Express 2.0 x4 |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 2 |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 20 Gbps (bi-directional) |
| Display Support | Supports up to three 1080p displays |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Up to 6 Thunderbolt devices |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.94 x 3.54 x 0.79 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds (approx.) |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer (with compatible ASUS motherboard) |
10. Warranty and Support
For information regarding the product warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official ASUS support website. The warranty terms and conditions may vary by region.
For technical support, driver downloads, and frequently asked questions, please visit the ASUS support website:
When contacting support, please have your product model name (THUNDERBOLTEX II/DUAL) and serial number ready.
