Best products from r/Thunderbolt
We found 23 comments on r/Thunderbolt discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 17 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Thunderbolt 3 Laptop to Thunderbolt 1 or 2 Peripheral Converter – Black (TBT3TBTADAP)
- THUNDERBOLT 3 TO THUNDERBOLT ADAPTER: This converter lets you connect older TB2 (20Gbps) and TB1 (10Gbps) peripherals to a TB3 host; connect TB1/TB2 devices like docks or external storage drive bays to your Thunderbolt 3 computer
- THUNDERBOLT 3 CERTIFIED: Compatible w/ TB3 certified laptops like MacBook Air & MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 & 15, Latitude, Precision, Lenovo ThinkPad X1, P series, HP EliteBook; Requires TB3 host (laptop or desktop must be equipped with Thunderbolt 3 port)
- COMPATIBLE WITH THUNDERBOLT DISPLAYS: This compact TB3 to TB2/TB1 adapter enables use of older Thunderbolt monitors (27" Apple Thunderbolt Displays/LG Ultrawide TB2 display) w/ certified Thunderbolt 3 laptops
- TECH SPECS: Bus-powered / provides up to 12W of power for peripherals / Compatible with Windows and macOS / Adapts a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C Connector) to Thunderbolt (Mini DP Connector); 7.9 in [20 cm] attached cable
- COMPATIBILITY: Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter is not reversible and will not connect TB3 peripherals to older computers with TB1 or TB2 ports; This adapter is not compatible with Mini DisplayPort / DisplayPort monitors or Thunderbolt 4 computers
Features:
2. ASRock FATAL1TY Z270 GAMING-ITX/AC LGA1151/ Intel Z270/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.0/ M.2&SATA Express/ WiFi/ A&GbE/ Mini-ITX Motherboard
ASRock Super Alloy. Supports 7th and 6th Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron Processors (Socket 1151)Supports DDR4 4000+(OC). 1 PCIe 3.0 x16. 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec), Supports Creative SoundBlaster Cinema36 SATA3, 1 SATA Express, 1 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3). 1...
3. Corning Thunderbolt Optical Cable 10m (33ft) for Self-Powered Peripherals AOC-MMS4CVP010M20
- 20Gb/sbi-directional,whenusedwithaThunderbolt2 host and Thunderbolt 2 devices
- Data and video on a single cable
- Electrically isolated, noise-reducing design
- Ultra-slim, zero-bend radius cable
- Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices
Features:
4. Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
- The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro.
- As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.
- In addition, it can be used to connect Thunderbolt-enabled displays — such as the Apple Thunderbolt Display and LG Thunderbolt 2 displays — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. However, using this adapter with an Apple Thunderbolt Display requires a power source, because th
- Note: This adapter does not support DisplayPort displays like the Apple LED Cinema Display or third-party DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort displays.
- Compatible with iPad mini, iPad Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini with thunderbolt ports
Features:
5. Samsung 860 QVO 1TB Solid State Drive (MZ-76Q1T0) V-NAND, SATA 6Gb/s, Quality and Value Optimized SSD
- Value optimized SSD: Built with Samsung V-NAND Technology, the 860 QVO SSD gives you huge storage, solid performance and reliability with exceptional value
- Enhanced read write speeds: Sequential read and write performance levels of up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s, respectively
- Intelligent Turbowrite: Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- Secure encryption: Protect data by selecting security options, including AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1667
- Warranty and compatibility: 3-year limited warranty; Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s interface, compatible with SATA 3 Gb/s & SATA 1.5 Gb/s interface
Features:
6. Intel 660p, M.2 2280, 2TB, NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4, 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
- SSDPEKNW020T801
Features:
7. Thunder3 Quad Mini (Thunderbolt3 4-Bay Enclosure Only) - MacOS and Windows Certified
- Thunderbolt 3 interface for lighting fast transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps
- Second Thunderbolt 3 port supports Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 (10 Gbps), and DisplayPort devices
- Power delivery provides up to 15W (5V/3A) of power to compatible laptops
- Dedicated DisplayPort for additional monitor to expand the workspace
- Holds up to four 2.5” drives with SATA 6Gb/s interface
Features:
8. Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable in Black 6 Feet - 4K Resolution Ready
- Mini Display Port to Mini Display Port cable connects a Mini DP equipped computer to a monitor; Male to male Mini DP to Mini DP cable connects from the Microsoft Surface Dock to a 2K monitor
- Experience 4K video resolution when paired with a 4K compatible computer and output display; Supports video resolutions up to UHD 3840 x 2160 and flawless audio pass-through; Supports display of digital protected content; Connect an Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro to a monitor with Mini DisplayPort input
- Bi-directional Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable has a flexible jacket can connect from either a computer notebook output or monitor input port; Portable adapter provides long life and high bandwidth signal transmission; Superior construction combines gold-plated connectors with molded strain, solid copper conductors and foil & braid shielding; Low profile Mini DisplayPort connector will not block adjacent ports on your device
- Mini DP monitor compatible with popular models such as B286HK 8-inch UHD / Curved 34-inch UltraWide QHD / S277HK 27-inch 4K Ultra HD, PB279Q 27" 4K UHD, Dell Ultrasharp U2415 24-Inch / U2414H 24-Inch / U2515H 25-Inch / U2715H 27-Inch / U2913WM 29-Inch / U3415W 34-Inch Curved / 4k UP3216Q 31.5-Inch / U2913WM 29-Inch, Dell Ultra HD 4K Monitor P2415Q 24-Inch / P2715Q 27-Inch, Philips BDM4065UC 40" Class 4K Monitor
- Mini DP computer compatible with the Microsoft Surface Dock /Surface Pro 4/Pro 2/Pro 3, ThinkPad X1 Carbon/ X230 / X240s / L540 / T540p / W540 / Helix, Dell XPS 2015 Models 13 9343 / 15 9350, Dell Latitude E724/E7440 / Precison M3800 / Alienware (older models) Intel NUC, ZenBook UX303LA/UX303LN, and HP Envy 14/17
Features:
9. Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable (Mini DP to DP) in Black 6 Feet - Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 Port Compatible
- Convenient DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable for directly connecting a Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP or mDP)/Thunderbolt 2 port compatible computer to a monitor or projector with DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt 2 to DisplayPort cable transmits both audio and video from computer or tablet to HD monitor display; Thunderbolt to DisplayPort cable supports 4K (3840x2160@60hz), 2K (2560x1440@144Hz) HD resolution and flawless audio pass-thru for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channels
- Low-profile connector on the DP to Mini DP cable does not block adjacent ports on your computer; Mini Display Port to Display Port cable has molded strain-relief for long life, and has ergonomically designed treads for easy plugging and unplugging
- Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion, provide durability, and improve the signal transmission; Foil & braid shielding reduces Electromagnetic interference; Bare copper conductor enhances cable performance of the MiniDisplay to DisplayPort cable
- DisplayPort Mini to DisplayPort cable is compatible with Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro; Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Surfacebook (NOT Surface for Windows RT); ThinkPad X1 Carbon, X230/X240s, L540, T540p, W540, Helix; Dell XPS 13/14/15/17, Latitude E7240/E7440, Precision M3800; Alienware 14/17/18; Acer Aspire R7/S7/V5/V7; Intel NUC; Zenbook; HP Envy 14/17; Google Chromebook Pixel; Zeusbook Edge X6; Toshiba Satellite Pro S500
Features:
10. Thunderbolt 3 to M.2 PCIe Adapter - External PCIe Enclosure / Chassis plus Card - with DisplayPort Monitor Port - PCIe SSD
Boost system performance by adding a PCIe M.2 SSD to your TB3 computer via the TB3 chassisExtra DP and TB3 display optionsUpgrade peripherals by swapping the PCIe cardThunderbolt 3 to PCIe / Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe x16 adapter / Thunderbolt 3 to SSD / Thunderbolt 3 to M.2 adapter / External PCI Expres...
11. TerraMaster D5 Thunderbolt 3 Professional-Grade 5-Bay External Hard Drive Enclosure RAID 0/RAID1/RAID5/RAID10/JBOD Hard Disk RAID Storage (Diskless)
- Ideal Thunderbolt 3 storage solution for professionals especially those with strict speed and safety requirements, including 4K video editing. Starting from March 26th, 2021, Mac with M1 security chip was fully supported. It works with the computers with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, NOT compatible with USB port.
- Two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, transfer speeds up to 1035MB/s (with SSHD in RAID 0). Compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD.
- Capitalising on the Thunderbolt 3 and DP interfaces, the D5 Thunderbolt 3 supports multi-screen display with up to 3 screens.
- Daisy-chain up to 6 devices; Support up to 100TB storage capacity (20TB x 5, in RAID 0); Multiple hardware RAID: RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10, JBOD, Single.
- Power delivery provides up to 15W of power to recharge compatible laptops (Mac only, Windows not supported). Aluminum-alloy shell, 2*80mm fans ensure great heat dispersion.
Features:
12. OWC Express 4M2 4-Slot M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure w/ Thunderbolt3 Ports
- Supports four NVMe Drives and aluminum enclosure featuring two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Compact, portable and light RAID system for on the go performance
- Speeds up to 2800MB/s
- Thunderbolt Certified for Mac and Windows
- Comes with 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Features:
13. 2018 Newest Type-c Thunderbolt 3 to Nvme SSD Enclosure with Intel Certified(Without Storage Card)
- Small and portable storage, aluminum design providing NVMe SSD giving maximum theoretical speed up to 3,940 MB/s
- Thunderbolt 3 provides speed up to 40Gbps, allows NVMe SSDs to achieve peak performance, 6-7 times the sequential read/write speeds of SATA.
- Heat sink integrated giving the best ventilation for NVMe SSD running at high speed.
- Enclosure followed with Thunderbolt 3 cable (Intel Certified) ensure NVMe SSD best performance
- It can transfer a 4K movie within seconds. The product is popular among Thunderbolt 3 systems users, Macbook enthusiasts for example. It is also a great solution for gamers to load and boost game in a blink.
Features:
14. ASUS Expansion Card for Z170 & X99 Motherboards ThunderboltEX 3
Compatible with a variety of ASUS Z170 and X99 motherboardsEnables up to 40 Gbps transfer speedsOne Type-C port supports Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 and DisplayPort 1.2Includes secondary USB 3.1 Type-A portSupports USB Power Delivery Specification for up to 36W charging. Please refer the User Manual befo...
15. Corning Thunderbolt Optical Cable 5.5m (18ft) for Self-Powered Peripherals AOC-MMS4CVP5-5M20
- 20Gb/sbi-directional,whenusedwithaThunderbolt2 host and Thunderbolt 2 devices
- Data and video on a single cable
- Electrically isolated, noise-reducing design
- Ultra-slim, zero-bend radius cable
- Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices
Features:
16. StarTech.com USB C to SATA Adapter - External Hard Drive Connector for 2.5'' SATA Drives - SATA SSD / HDD to USB C Cable (USB31CSAT3CB)
- EXTERNAL POWER ACCESS: This USB C to SATA adapter enables you to quickly access your 2.5'' SATA SSD or HDD with no additional accessories required.
- USB POWERED: Easily access your valuable data using this laptop hard drive adapter without the need to external power required.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL: This SATA SSD / HDD adapter has a small footprint and lightweight design, fitting perfectly into your carrying case. This compact external hard drive connector offers maximum portability, making it the perfect travel companion.
- CONVIENENT DRIVE ACCESS: Quickly swap HDDs or SSDs without having to install your drives into an enclosure with this USB Type C to SATA adapter. It provides access to your drive for data transfers, drive cloning and data backup applications.
- HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE: This SATA to USB-C cable lets you harness the speed of USB 3.1 Gen 2 with transfer rates up to 10Gbps.
Features:
17. USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter,LANBO Thunderbolt 3 to Mini Displayport Cable 6FT Support 4K 60HZ for MacBook Pro2016/2017, Samsung Galaxy S8 and More(No Thunderbolt 2) ??
This USB C to Mini displayport Cable enables you to directly connect a USB-C computer to a mini displayport-equipped display. It is ideal for conference, presentation, gaming, or expanding workspace by connecting your USB-C devices to a large screen. (*Note: Support transfer Video/Audio ONLY ! Not s...
Well, you always have USB to fallback on in case of waiting on a fix for thunderbolt.
Here is the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
So how do you normally deal with that situation, you could hook every synth up to a mixer, but then you are buying a mixer. Another option is to use a patch bay. Holy crap Patch bays are WAY more complicated than you'd think. But, one way I imagine you could use them is, say you want to use synth 3,5 and 1. Then you just run a small 6 inch cable from 3,5 and 1, to inputs 1 2 and 3 (which are routed in the back to your interface. That way you only spend $100 or $200 (for 2 patch bays), rather than $1000 on a good mixer.
The mobo you are looking at is good. It's certified and the TB3 port is built in rather than an AIC. I'd recommend that route since the AIC cards have been problematic.
The only thing I'm worried about, is if converting from TB3 to TB2 causes an issue that needs a driver update, but you always have the USB fallback in case that happens and you need to contact support. Another reason to buy something newer, rather than something 15 years old like you were talking about.
So yeah, just find a solution for selecting your synths and your golden.
I've seen pretty mixed reviews of the Cornings, which are recommended by UAD and RME, I think because they're the only option available AFAIK. OWC had an optical cable at one point.
I feel like I'd need to have a spare on hand for my application, which I don't think I can afford - https://www.amazon.com/Optical-Cables-CorningTM-AOC-MMS4CVP010M20-ThunderboltTM/dp/B00HSTC496
You cannot buy an adapter that's USB, it needs to talk Thunderbolt. You need this. I've bought two of them and there's no software, it's just plug and play (I only have TB2 gear because not much TB3 stuff out there yet).
The reason you can't find TB2 mainboards are because "it's not the newest tech". The good news is that you'll be future proofed while enjoying the Motu.
Ninja Edit: Yeah so apparently it can push all the data via USB2. So Thunderbolt is, essentially, a gimmick.
It's a digital cable, so quality is not really an issue.
Now to go deeper into it, TB2 and mDP port uses the same interface, so if you really need TB2(as in data transfer), $29 is about on par with what other vendors offer. But if you just need it for 4K out, a mDP cable is plenty good, and cheap-but-good ones are available.
mDP to mDP
mDP to full size DP
I like this brand a lot, they haven't failed me yet, and also cheap.
Corning makes optical cables, though I believe they max out at 20 Gbps right now.
This just started shipping.
You're correct about the speeds.
No problem 👍 If you're using Firewire enclosures for 2.5" or 3.5" hard drives you can get USB-C to Serial ATA cables and possibly bypass a Dock or Hub completely. The great thing about using 2.5" SSDs/HDDs is you can buy a Thunderbolt 3 RAID enclosure and have multiple hard drives show up as one hard drive.
They do exist!
Here is one to try:https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-LANBO-Thunderbolt-Adapter-Aluminum/dp/B076CFDF2R/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521988372&sr=1-3&keywords=mini+displayport+to+thunderbolt+3&dpID=41K8-2hk77L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Edit to say: the adapter exists, but as u/thespotts has detailed it will not be a viable solution to this issue. Many apologies!