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Green rectangular circuit board with two USB-C ports, two DisplayPort inputs and a five-pin header

MSI

MSI ThunderboltM3 PCI Express to Thunderbolt expansion card

SKU CH-DQSC-9VFDS

Adds two Thunderbolt 3 ports and dual DisplayPort inputs via a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot for 4K 60 Hz video and daisy-chaining up to six devices

  • External connectors2 x Thunderbolt 3 port (type C) 1 × 5 pin TB header 2 x Disp
  • Product typePCI Express to Thunderbolt
  • DetailsChipset: Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller Interface: PCIe 3.0
  • Key featuresFull 4K Video Experience Best Single-Cable Docking Fast Stor
  • Product dimensions3.35 in × 4.11 in
  • Connect dual 4K displays at 60 Hz with DisplayPort 1.2 support
  • Add two Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports via PCIe 3.0 x4 interface
  • Enable daisy-chaining up to six Thunderbolt devices from one card
  • Achieve low-latency PCI Express audio recording with Intel controller
  • Includes TB header cable for motherboard DisplayPort input connection

Thunderbolt 3 expansion for PCIe systems

The MSI ThunderboltM3 add-on card brings two Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports to a desktop through a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. It is intended for creators and professionals who need high-speed external storage, 4K display output or external graphics on a motherboard that lacks native Thunderbolt headers. The card uses an Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller and requires a DisplayPort 1.2 signal from the graphics card or motherboard to pass video.

Bundled TB header cable enables motherboard link

A single 5-pin TB header cable is included to connect the card to a compatible motherboard header. This link is required for Thunderbolt functionality and for daisy-chaining up to six devices. The two DisplayPort inputs on the bracket accept a DP 1.2 feed from the GPU or integrated graphics, allowing the Thunderbolt ports to carry 4K video at 60 Hz or 24 Hz without additional adapters.

Compact bracket fits standard full-height slots

The card measures 3.35 inches by 4.11 inches and occupies one full-height expansion slot. Two Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports face the rear panel alongside the two DisplayPort inputs, keeping cabling tidy at the back of the case. The 5-pin internal header sits on the PCB edge for straightforward routing to the motherboard. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface provides the bandwidth needed for low-latency audio recording and fast external storage workflows.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in PCIe Expansion Cards, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $178.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 891 comparable items (median $30.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameMSI
Model nameThunderboltM3
Product typePCI Express to Thunderbolt
Ports & slots
Thunderbolt 3 supportYes
External connectors2 x Thunderbolt 3 port (type C)
1 × 5 pin TB header
2 x DisplayPort input ports
Size & build
Product dimensions3.35 in × 4.11 in

Questions about this item

Will the Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller on this card need a firmware update later?

The Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller handles the protocol; firmware updates are issued by the motherboard vendor through their BIOS or utility software, not by the card itself.

Does the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface limit sustained throughput on the two Thunderbolt 3 ports?

The card connects through a PCIe 3.0 x4 link, which sets the maximum data rate available to both Thunderbolt 3 ports combined during heavy transfers.

How much heat does the card produce when both Thunderbolt 3 ports run all day?

The card is a compact 3.35" x 4.11" add-in board with no active cooling; it relies on case airflow to dissipate heat from the Intel controller during continuous operation.

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