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Green PCIe add-in card with dual USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports

Gigabyte Communication

Gigabyte Communication GC-Alpine Ridge Thunderbolt 3 network card

SKU CH-BJ9A-ZGQ3T

Adds dual Thunderbolt 3 ports with 40 GB/s bandwidth, DisplayPort 1.2 4K support and daisy-chaining for up to 12 devices

  • Intel Thunderbolt 3 certification ensures reliable connectivity
  • Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports connect up to twelve devices
  • 40 GB/s bi-directional bandwidth moves large files quickly
  • DisplayPort 1.2 support delivers 4K video output
  • Daisy-chain architecture simplifies multi-device setups

Certified add-in card

The Gigabyte Communication GC-Alpine Ridge is an Intel Thunderbolt 3 certified add-in card that adds two USB Type-C ports to a desktop system. It delivers 40 GB/s bi-directional bandwidth for high-speed peripherals and external storage. DisplayPort 1.2 capability enables 4K video output through the same ports. The card suits creators and professionals expanding I/O on compatible motherboards.

Not for laptops or older boards

This card requires a motherboard with a designated Thunderbolt header and BIOS support, so it will not work in laptops or on platforms lacking that connector. Builders without a certified header cannot use the Thunderbolt functions. Users needing only standard USB 3.x connectivity should consider simpler controller cards instead. The 40 GB/s link also requires certified cables to reach full speed.

Daisy-chain and video

Each port supports daisy-chaining up to six devices, allowing a total of twelve devices from the single card. DisplayPort 1.2 alt-mode carries 4K video alongside data without a separate graphics cable. The bundle includes the card and a short internal cable for the motherboard header; no external Thunderbolt cables or drives are supplied. Refer to the user manual before installation.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Ethernet Cards & NICs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $240.99
Pricier than about 72% of the 1,505 comparable items (median $90.99).

Specifications

No published specifications for this item yet.

Questions about this item

Does my motherboard need a specific header to power the GC-Alpine Ridge card?

The card draws power from the PCIe slot; no extra motherboard header is required for basic Thunderbolt operation.

Can I keep my older DisplayPort 1.1 monitor when using the card's DisplayPort 1.2 output?

Yes, DisplayPort 1.2 is backward compatible, so a 1.1 monitor will work at its native resolution.

How do I verify the 40 GB/s link is active after installation?

Check the Thunderbolt control panel or device manager — it will show the negotiated speed and connected device count up to 12.

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