QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card

The QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is an innovative solution that transforms your NAS (Network Attached Storage) into a high-performance Thunderbolt 3 NAS, enabling rapid data transfers and enhancing workflow efficiency, particularly in video editing settings. This expansion card is perfect for professionals who demand speed and reliability in their data handling, allowing for real-time editing of 4K videos and seamless collaboration among teams.

• High-Speed Data Transfer: The Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card facilitates lightning-fast data transfer rates, significantly improving efficiency for tasks such as video editing, file sharing, and data backup.
• 4K Video Editing Made Easy: Video editing studios will appreciate the ability to transfer, display, and edit 4K videos in real-time, ensuring smooth workflows without bottlenecks.
• Streamlined Collaboration: With support for SMB protocol, users of Final Cut Pro® and Adobe Premiere Pro® can create shared libraries on a NAS volume, centralizing video resources and enhancing teamwork.
• Daisy-Chain Capability: Connect up to 6 QNAP Thunderbolt devices, including other QNAP Thunderbolt NAS systems and Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE Adapters, allowing for an expandable and versatile setup.
• Legacy Device Compatibility: Easily connect older Thunderbolt 2 devices using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, ensuring seamless access to centralized data across various devices.

Technical Details

• Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x4
• Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity: Supports Thunderbolt 4 devices when connected with Thunderbolt 4 certified cables or passive Thunderbolt 3 cables (less than 0.8 meters).
• Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with QNAP NAS systems and compatible Thunderbolt devices.
• Maximum Daisy-Chain Devices: Up to 6 QNAP Thunderbolt devices.

How to Install

Installing the QNAP Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is straightforward:

1. Power down your NAS and unplug it from the power source.
2. Open the NAS enclosure to access the PCIe slots.
3. Carefully insert the Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card into an available PCIe slot, ensuring it is securely seated.
4. Reassemble the NAS enclosure and connect the power source.
5. Power on the NAS and install any necessary drivers or software updates as prompted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use this card with a non-QNAP NAS?

While the Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card is optimized for QNAP NAS systems, it may work with compatible NAS devices that support Thunderbolt connectivity.

2. What is the maximum data transfer speed?

The Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, making it one of the fastest connectivity options available.

3. Do I need special cables to connect Thunderbolt 4 devices?

Yes, you need to use either Thunderbolt 4 certified cables or passive Thunderbolt 3 cables that are shorter than 0.8 meters to ensure compatibility.

4. Is this expansion card suitable for gaming applications?

While primarily designed for professional video editing and data-intensive tasks, the Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Card can also enhance gaming experiences by providing fast data transfer and low latency.

5. How does the daisy-chaining feature work?

The daisy-chaining feature allows you to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices in a single chain, maximizing productivity by letting you manage several devices through one Thunderbolt 3 port.