Working with a specially-reserved header on select ASUS Z77 and H77 motherboards, users can connect / link devices to the ThunderboltEX card’s Thunderbolt port for an easy connectivity upgrade. ThunderboltEX plugs into the bottom PCIe slot, taking up a x4 link. It then connects to the Thunderbolt header on the motherboard using a system link cable, and to the DisplayPort-out at the back of the motherboard via a DisplayPort cable. Once all hooked up, users can plug devices to the ThunderboltEX card’s Thunderbolt port, gaining access to 10Gbps data transfer and video connectivity with support for up to six daisy-chained devices and a seventh device in the form of a Thunderbolt or DisplyPort Monitor. This add-on card additionally is fully transparent and provides the same performance and functionality as native solutions including Hot Plug support.