StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to 2-Port 10GbE NIC Chassis - External PCIe Enclosure plus Card

Unlock blazing-fast network performance with this all-in-one Thunderbolt 3 solution that blends a rugged external PCIe expansion chassis with a powerful 2-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet NIC. Designed for professionals who demand extreme speed, flexible connectivity, and reliable stability, this StarTech.com accessory lets your Thunderbolt 3 enabled workstation or laptop reach 10GbE networks while maintaining a clean, portable docking experience. The integrated design combines the TB31PCIEX16 external PCIe enclosure with the ST10GPEXNDPI NIC, delivering a streamlined path to multi-port 10GbE connectivity without sacrificing desk space or setup time. Whether you’re backing up petabytes of data, running virtualization, or streaming high-resolution content, this chassis-plus-card duo is engineered to maximize performance, expandability, and ease of use.

• All-in-one Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE solution – Enjoy a seamless pairing of a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis (TB31PCIEX16) and a 2-port PCI Express 10G NIC (ST10GPEXNDPI) in a single, ready-to-use package. This design eliminates the guesswork of sourcing individual components and ensures flawless compatibility between the enclosure and NIC.
• Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports – Benefit from two independent 10GbE interfaces (10GBASE-T) for high-bandwidth network connectivity, simultaneous backups, multi-homed networks, or dedicated virtual machine traffic. With two ports, you can segment traffic, aggregate bandwidth, or isolate sensitive workloads with confidence.
• Thunderbolt 3 performance for rapid PCIe expansion – Leverage the thunderous speed of USB-C enabled Thunderbolt 3 to attach a full PCIe Gen 3.x expansion to your laptop or desktop. This enables desktop-class PCIe cards to run externally, delivering near-native performance for demanding tasks without upgrading your internal system.
• DisplayPort output for docking versatility – In addition to high-speed networking, this chassis provides a DisplayPort output, giving you a dock-like experience that can drive an external monitor while you work. It’s ideal for creators, engineers, and professionals who rely on a tidy, single-dock workstation.
• Compact, portable, and power-ready – The external enclosure is designed to stay out of the way yet flexibly travel with you. When connected to a Thunderbolt-equipped host with the appropriate power supply, it delivers a stable, plug-and-play expansion solution without sacrificing workspace or portability.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to 2-Port 10GbE NIC Chassis - External PCIe Enclosure plus Card

• Form factor: External PCIe expansion chassis for Thunderbolt 3
• PCIe support: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (typical for full-height PCIe cards)
• Network interface: 2-port PCIe 10GbE NIC (ST10GPEXNDPI)
• Networking standard: 10GBASE-T Ethernet compatibility on both ports
• Display output: 1 x DisplayPort output for monitor connectivity
• Host interface: Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connection to the host computer
• Power: External power delivery required for reliable operation
• Included components: TB31PCIEX16 Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis and ST10GPEXNDPI NIC card

How to install StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to 2-Port 10GbE NIC Chassis

• Prepare the host: Ensure your computer has a Thunderbolt 3 port and is powered on. Verify you have a compatible operating system with Thunderbolt support and the latest drivers if required by your NIC.
• Unbox and inspect: Remove the enclosure and NIC card, and confirm all components are present and undamaged. If the NIC is pre-installed inside the chassis, skip this step.
• Install the NIC (if needed): Open the chassis access panel, align the ST10GPEXNDPI NIC with the PCIe slot, and firmly seat it into place. Secure any necessary screws or retention hardware as dictated by the enclosure design.
• Connect the Thunderbolt 3 cable: Attach one end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to your host computer and the other end to the Thunderbolt 3 port on the chassis. Ensure a snug, secure connection.
• Power the enclosure: Connect the external power supply to the enclosure and plug it into a reliable power source. The NIC will require external power to deliver its 10GbE performance.
• Attach networking cables: Connect your two 10GbE network cables to the two NIC ports on the enclosure. Route cables neatly and verify link/activity indicators on both the NIC and switch/router.
• Install drivers and configure: If prompted, install any required drivers or software for the NIC. Configure your network interfaces (e.g., IP addressing, VLANs, MTU) to match your network environment and workloads.
• Optional display setup: If you plan to use the DisplayPort output, connect a compatible monitor to the DP output and adjust display settings on your host as needed.
• Test and verify: Verify that both 10GbE ports are detected by the host and that data transfer speeds meet expectations. Run a simple throughput test to confirm functionality before critical workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What platforms does this StarTech Thunderbolt 3 to 2-Port 10GbE NIC Chassis support? A: The solution is designed for Thunderbolt 3-enabled hosts and is compatible with Windows and macOS platforms that support Thunderbolt devices. Ensure the latest drivers are installed for the NIC to maximize performance.
• Q: Do I need an external power supply? A: Yes. An external power supply is required to power the PCIe NIC and chassis to ensure stable operation, especially under load on the 10GbE ports.
• Q: How many 10GbE ports does this provide? A: This package includes a 2-port 10GbE NIC, providing two independent 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections for high-bandwidth networking tasks.
• Q: Can I use the DisplayPort output while the NIC is in use? A: Yes. The design supports DisplayPort output in addition to the two NIC connections, enabling a monitor to be connected while leveraging the 10GbE network speeds. Ensure your host and driver support concurrent Thunderbolt peripherals.
• Q: Is this an external PCIe expansion chassis that can host other PCIe cards? A: The StarTech TB31PCIEX16 is a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis intended to hold compatible PCIe cards. In this package, it is paired with the ST10GPEXNDPI NIC, but you may be able to use other compatible PCIe cards as long as the enclosure specifications allow it and the card fits the slot and power constraints.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers for the NIC? A: Yes. Depending on your operating system, you may need to install drivers for the ST10GPEXNDPI 10GbE NIC to enable full functionality and optimal performance.