Will Asus USB4 ASMedia 4242 card work in a motherboard another manufacturer?

[fevgatos]

Will the Asus USB4 ASMedia 4242 card work in a motherboard from another manufacturer?

I've tried the card in an ASRock B650 board, and it did not work, but now they have released a firmware update.

Yes, you're correct that ASMedia ASM4242 is not restricted in terms of compatibility with motherboards from other manufacturers, while Intel JHL (Thunderbolt Controller) can be somewhat limited, especially regarding Thunderbolt ports on motherboards.

Differences between ASMedia ASM4242 and Intel JHL:​

1. ASMedia ASM4242:
   • USB4 Controller: This is a controller that supports USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 standards.
   • No restrictions: Cards with this controller are generally more universal in terms of compatibility and can work on many motherboards regardless of the manufacturer. It typically works via the PCIe slot, so this card should work with most motherboards supporting PCIe 3.0/4.0.
   • Advantage: ASMedia has fewer compatibility restrictions with motherboards from different manufacturers because it doesn't require a dedicated Thunderbolt Header to function.
2. Intel JHL (Thunderbolt Controller):
   • Thunderbolt Controller: The Intel JHL is a controller specifically for Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports. For Thunderbolt controllers like JHL, it is necessary for the motherboard to have a dedicated Thunderbolt Header.
   • Restriction (compatibility): Intel tends to restrict its Thunderbolt controllers to work only with motherboards that are certified by Intel for Thunderbolt support. This requires special support at the motherboard level, including the presence of the Thunderbolt Header, which enables full functionality such as device charging and high-speed data transfer.
   • Intel Certification: In order for a Thunderbolt card to work with a motherboard using an Intel JHL controller, the motherboard needs to be Intel-certified for Thunderbolt support. Lack of such certification can lead to compatibility issues.

Summary:​

• ASMedia ASM4242: It is not restricted and is more universal in terms of compatibility with motherboards from other manufacturers. It works based on USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 standards, and most motherboards just need an available PCIe slot.
• Intel JHL: In contrast, Intel JHL requires specific compatibility with the motherboard, including support for a Thunderbolt Header, as well as Intel certification. Cards with this controller can be blocked or limited to work only on motherboards that support Intel Thunderbolt.

Therefore, if broad compatibility is important to you, ASMedia ASM4242 might be the better choice, especially if you have a motherboard from a different manufacturer that doesn't support a dedicated Thunderbolt Header.

 

[ir_cow]

If your doing video out, probably not that feature. Video passthrough has to be configured in the BIOS by the motherboard vendor.

 

[fevgatos]

I tried the Asus card in the Asrock B650 board a couple of months ago, and some adapter settings appeared in the AMD PBS section. From my understanding, it could not work because B650 support was only introduced in the new firmware.

Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 questions

hello,is Asrock working on a Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 expansion card with ~100W power delivery?what it the...

forum.asrock.com

 

[fevgatos]

asus updated the firmware again now with updater only in exe and i dont have windows bare metal

any info if it work in other manufacturers boards?