Any idea what the system link connector is for? With PCIe x4 providing the PCIe lanes and the external DP connection providing DP passthrough, I'm a bit confused as to why a system link connector is also necessary.
Even I was wondering the same, I have Maximus V Gene board and recently tried out Sabertooth Z77 board for benchmarking. My source in Asus had indicated that there will be a Thunderbolt card enabling TB on these boards, but those TB_Header pins kinda baffled me as it was clearly indicated that the card would be PCIexpress based.
Also, last four images in the gallery are not loading for me...
Yeah... they had publicized the fact that the card plugged into PCIe and the TB header.. so I assumed the TB header was just a displayport header... but apparently it's something else.. Can't really think of what unless it's just additional power that PCIe x4 alone can't provide.
ASUS: "...The cards system link cable ensure full Thunderbolt functionality as well as ensures only compatible ASUS Z77 and H77 motherboards are supported..."
Would this card work with the DP output from a PCI graphics card? On the MSI onboard implementation Anand used Virtu to get video from the dGPU via the Tbolt output, at the cost of 2-5% processing and no SLI support. This could be a better option for output to a thunderbolt display.
I see that Asus has quietly negated support for this built in Thunderbolt Header, as it is only supported in the BIOS of the newer Z87 premium boards.
What are they playing at?
All I can say is ifthey don't provide a BIOS update to support this feature on my motherboard I will NEVER buy their products again. I hate deceit for the purpose of profiteering.
I recently purchased the Asus Z97 Pro (Wifi-AC) MB and the Thunderboltex II card. The specs said it was compatible with my MB, however it didn't mention I need the 9pin to 5pin cable. The Z-97 deluxe has everything in one bundle. Has anyone been able to buy the 9pin to 5pin cable? I have been given the runaround by Asus for almost 2 weeks now and still not any closer to finding out how and where to purchase the adaptor. Any help would be appreciated
A have a P8Z77-V Deluxe Rev 1.02 BIOS 2104 and want to expand it with Thunderbolt port. I need only data transmission for sound applications. On the MB P8Z77-V Deluxe soldered connector TB_Header
Is it possible to use ASUS Thunderbolt EXII card with P8Z77-V Deluxe? Is it possible to use ASUS Thunderbolt EXII/DUAL card with P8Z77-V Deluxe? It is confusing the fact that the user guide THUNDERBOLT EXII controller among the supported devices does not support P8Z77-Deluxe motherboard. But then the question arises: Why has the board connector TB_HEADER? Or is there support? Explain, please.
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ViRGE - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
Any idea what the system link connector is for? With PCIe x4 providing the PCIe lanes and the external DP connection providing DP passthrough, I'm a bit confused as to why a system link connector is also necessary.iGo - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
Even I was wondering the same, I have Maximus V Gene board and recently tried out Sabertooth Z77 board for benchmarking. My source in Asus had indicated that there will be a Thunderbolt card enabling TB on these boards, but those TB_Header pins kinda baffled me as it was clearly indicated that the card would be PCIexpress based.Also, last four images in the gallery are not loading for me...
Ryan Smith - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
Thanks for the notice. The last 4 images have been fixed.ajp_anton - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
All I can think of is that the card simply won't work if it doesn't detect an approved ASUS motherboard.Araemo - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
Yeah... they had publicized the fact that the card plugged into PCIe and the TB header.. so I assumed the TB header was just a displayport header... but apparently it's something else.. Can't really think of what unless it's just additional power that PCIe x4 alone can't provide.repoman27 - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - link
Yeah, "System Link Connector" looks to be suspiciously like "Trusted Platform Module Connector".dnd728 - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - link
ASUS: "...The cards system link cable ensure full Thunderbolt functionality as well as ensures only compatible ASUS Z77 and H77 motherboards are supported..."tumbleweed - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - link
Okay, so if I don't need to pass through the displayport signal to TB, do I need to connect my displayport port to the TB card?repoman27 - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - link
I'd be willing to wager that it would work just fine for PCIe without the DP input hooked up.Pazz - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - link
I'm also wondering the very same thing - if you don't require DisplayPort pass would the external cable still be necessary?Anand, do you have any information from ASUS on this point?
VectorZero - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - link
Would this card work with the DP output from a PCI graphics card? On the MSI onboard implementation Anand used Virtu to get video from the dGPU via the Tbolt output, at the cost of 2-5% processing and no SLI support. This could be a better option for output to a thunderbolt display.ericloewe - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - link
There shouldn't be a problem, and would certainly be an interesting setup.NECyclone - Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - link
Interesting. I just bought an ASUS P8Z77-V Pro and I certainly don't see a TB Header on it like there is one on the Deluxe shown in the pictures.NECyclone - Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - link
Never mind. Found it. It was cleverly disguised as a TB Header over by the System Panel Connector. :)Pazz - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - link
I believe most of the models have it down by the system panel connector. My P8Z77-V has it there and most of the pics I've seen have it down there.macmuchmore - Monday, February 4, 2013 - link
Hey - we are now into 2013 and I STILL cannot find this card online. Does anyone know if it is possible to buy it yet? Thanks!slimscraggle - Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - link
So.... it's been over a year now.... could Anand find out if this card is ever coming out?Lyda - Friday, July 5, 2013 - link
Can i use Asus thunderbolt Ex with my PC dell studio XPS 9100 for connect my thunderbolt storage driveTinHat - Friday, March 21, 2014 - link
I see that Asus has quietly negated support for this built in Thunderbolt Header, as it is only supported in the BIOS of the newer Z87 premium boards.What are they playing at?
All I can say is ifthey don't provide a BIOS update to support this feature on my motherboard I will NEVER buy their products again. I hate deceit for the purpose of profiteering.
markymerlion - Saturday, June 7, 2014 - link
I recently purchased the Asus Z97 Pro (Wifi-AC) MB and the Thunderboltex II card. The specs said it was compatible with my MB, however it didn't mention I need the 9pin to 5pin cable. The Z-97 deluxe has everything in one bundle. Has anyone been able to buy the 9pin to 5pin cable? I have been given the runaround by Asus for almost 2 weeks now and still not any closer to finding out how and where to purchase the adaptor. Any help would be appreciatedAlexGeForce - Monday, December 5, 2016 - link
A have a P8Z77-V Deluxe Rev 1.02 BIOS 2104 and want toexpand it with Thunderbolt port. I need only data transmission for sound applications. On the MB P8Z77-V Deluxe soldered connector TB_Header
Is it possible to use ASUS Thunderbolt EXII card with P8Z77-V Deluxe?
Is it possible to use ASUS Thunderbolt EXII/DUAL card with P8Z77-V Deluxe?
It is confusing the fact that the user guide THUNDERBOLT EXII controller among the supported devices does not support P8Z77-Deluxe motherboard. But then the question arises: Why has the board connector TB_HEADER? Or is there support? Explain, please.