STill can not get the HP ThunderBolt 3 PCI AIC Card to work. Can Anyone at HP help with Your Devic

[Rodagon]

Can some one assist with helping to make the HP Thunderbolt 3 PCI AIC Card function on a HP Z* workstation.

The instructions that come with the card, are not informative.

No TB3 Communications seem to occur.

Please can some one help with insite?

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

Frustrating not to get any HP reply.  Please allow me to give this a shot.  According to the specs for the HP Thunderbolt 3 PCIe 2-port I/O Card, it is only compatible on the HP Z4, Z6 or Z8 G4 Workstations. I assume you try to make this card work on one of these workstations?

If you have already diligently followed these HP installation steps: please disregard.

Step 1.) Accessing the internal components of the computer
1. If you need help preparing the computer for this installation, consult the removal and replacement
procedures in the HP Customer Self Repair Services Media Library at http://www.hp.com/go/sml.
2. Load the correct BIOS onto the workstation, as follows:
a. Go to http://www.hp.com/drivers.
b. Enter the computer product number.
c. Select the model.
NOTE: Any model selection displays the correct BIOS.
d. Select your language and operating system.
e. In Download Index, select BIOS.
f. Download and install the most recent BIOS.
3. Power down the computer, and then disconnect the power cord.
4. Power down all external devices, and then disconnect them from the computer.
5. Remove the access panel.

Step 2.) Installing the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card
1. Ground yourself, and then remove the PCIe card from the package.
2. Place the computer on a flat, clean, static-free surface.
3. Install the PCIe card into the correct PCIe slot by sliding the bracket on the end of the card into the slot on
the back of the chassis, and then press the card firmly down into the socket on the system board.
NOTE: You must install the card into the correct PCIe slot, as follows. The slot closest to the
processor is slot 1.
• HP Z8 G4: PCIe slot 1
• HP Z6 G4: PCIe slot 6
• HP Z4 G4: PCIe slot 4

4. Connect the GPIO cable to the connector on the upper-right corner of the card, and then connect the
other end of the cable to the system board connector labeled PD129.
NOTE: System board appearance might vary. See the System Board Overview located on the service
panel to determine the location of the header. If there are other PCIe cards installed, be sure to route
the GPIO cable underneath the cards.

5. The back of the card includes four connectors:
- (1)—Thunderbolt 3 ports (A and B)
- (2)—DisplayPorts (DP IN A and DP IN B)
Attach the Thunderbolt cables (sold separately) and DisplayPort cables to the back of the card.

6. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt cables (sold separately) to a Thunderbolt device. Connect the
other end of the DisplayPort cables to a graphics card.
NOTE: If you are only using one Thunderbolt port, connect the Thunderbolt device to the
Thunderbolt port labeled A, and then connect the graphics card to the DisplayPort labeled DP IN A. HP
recommends connecting the graphics card to both DisplayPorts.

Step 3.) Reassembling the computer
1. Reinstall the access panel.
2. Reconnect external devices and power cord, and restore power to all external devices.

Step 4.) Loading the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card driver
1. Go to http://www.hp.com/support and follow the on-screen instructions to find your product.
2. Select Software and Drivers, and then select Go.
3. Select Driver – Controller.
4. Download and install the driver.

This should work as per HP.  The key is to make sure you follow the included installation instructions to the letter. It must be installed on a specific slot and it varies depending on the "Z" model you have. 

Link: WS_OPT_QSG_Thunderbolt_3_L31829-001.fm (hp.com)

[itsmyname]

@Rodagon -- have you considered this adapter: StarTech.com 1 Port SATA to eSATA Slot Plate BRacket - eSATA slot bRacket - SATA to eSATA plate - SA...

It connects to one SATA port on the motherboard, and provides an eSATA external port on the back-plane.

Then, can you connect your RAID-set to that eSATA port, to get SATA speeds?

Is that fast-enough for your intended purpose?

[Rodagon]

Out Standing.    This is vastly more information then supplied with the card  and is most importantly the Correct Information !

Thank you.   This seems to work perfectly and the  system seems to be running extremely well!!!   Thank you !

Your time and effort to pass on this valuable information is very much appreciated !   HP please put this information in with the card, or on the internet support pages and send this person a check !!!