Adding Thunderbolt (any gen) to an HP Pavilion 595 Desktop

[Aric_Unhinged]

Hey all,

So I'm working with an external hardware unit (Focusrite's Clarett 8Pre USB) and it has a Thunderbolt output. I use this device to record audio and send it to my computer tower, an HP Pavilion 595 - p0084. Issue is, the desktop doesn't come with a Thunderbolt port, so I've been connecting it so a USB 3.1 (I believe?) Type-C SS port. I would like to possibly get an expansion card to add Thunderbolt (any gen) to the tower, but I don't know what products are available and I don't know what's compatible. Could somebody provide me with a list of possible expansion cards (if any)?

Also, can I assume that the USB data transfer rate is the maximum of the SS port since the Thunderbolt output on the Clarett is faster? 

Thanks in advance for any help. 🙂

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

As far as I know you need Thunderbolt support on the MB to do this.

Regards

[Aric_Unhinged]

How would I be able to check if the motherboard supports this?

[Grzwacz]

Hi ,

Thunderbolt support is usually reserved for higher end motherboards.

I don't believe the Lincs (Link) motherboard supports this.

Maybe another from member has first hand experience.

Regards

[Aric_Unhinged]

And the Lincs motherboard is what is in my PC?

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes, you have the Lincs motherboard.

I don't think this motherboard has a thunderbolt 3 header.

Regards

[Aric_Unhinged]

Alright. Disappointing to hear, but thank you very much for your help! 🙂

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

You're very welcome.

I could be wrong but I have never seen a HP consumer motherboard having a thunderbolt header. The add in Thunderbolt adapter needs to connect to a header on the motherboard. The motherboard chipset needs Thunderbolt support.

Regards

[Aric_Unhinged]

Would you happen to know if the way I currently have the device set up (feeding to an SS Usb-C) is operating as fast as these SS ports can go, since a Thunderbolt output is feeding to it?

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

The top speed is determined by the lowest link in the chain.

To the best of my knowledge USB 3.1 Type C can theoretically do 10 Gbps.

Regards