I'm a first-time poster and a third-time PC builder, and I'm facing a challenge with my new build. I recently upgraded my setup and was gifted a Thunderbolt dock from my dad, but when I tried to install the ASUS ThunderboltEX4 card, I realized my GPU is blocking the PCIEx4 slot. I plan to use a slim riser cable to connect the Thunderbolt card to the PCIE slot, but I'm concerned about how to secure it properly in the case since it's essentially floating inside. Is there a way to secure this setup without buying a new case or damaging my current one?
1 Answer
You might want to think about why you're using that Thunderbolt dock in the first place. If your PC already has plenty of USB ports and video outputs, you might not need it at all. Thunderbolt docks are usually more useful with laptops that have limited ports. Plus, if you're connecting monitors, just make sure your rig can handle the latency – sometimes they don't even support video output directly unless using certain inputs.
I get that, but I'm dealing with tight space constraints. My setup needs to accommodate a lot of moving parts since my workspace doubles as my living area. Wihtout that Thunderbolt hub, I’d have to run more power and data cables to my table every time, which is a hassle.