GUIDE How to Enable ThunderBolt on macOS

[EliteMacx86]

How to Enable ThunderBolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on maOS [Clover/OpenCore]

An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers implementation of Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on macOS using Clover and OpenCore.

Overview

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This guide covers the implementation of Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt isn't a necessary thing but for some users, a working Thunderbolt function is required. Thunderbolt can be utilised for several things such as working with Audio interfaces, Display, File Transfer, connecting external GPU, and to connect any other Thunderbolt compatible devices such as Thunderbolt equipped Hard Drive or SSD.

When talking about Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt has the fastest speed as compared to the USB Type A, USB 3.1 and USB Type-C.

On Windows hardware, the working of Thunderbolt is different as compared to a real Macintosh.

For more information on Thunderbolt Hotplug, refer to the guide linked below.

GUIDE - How to Enable Thunderbolt 3 Hotplug on macOS

How to Enable Thunderbolt 3 Hotplug on macOS [Clover/OpenCore] An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the implementation of Thunderbolt™ 3 Hotplug on macOS for single and multiple Thunderbolt 3 Cards. Overview An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - In our previous post, we covered a...

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GUIDE - How to Enable Thunderbolt 4 Hotplug on macOS

How to Enable Thunderbolt 4 Hotplug on macOS [Clover/OpenCore] An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers implementation of Thunderbolt 4 Hotplug on macOS for built-in and Add In Card (AIC) Thunderbolt hardware. Overview Recently, Intel and Apple announced their new Thunderbolt...

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Implementing ThunderBolt on macOS is quite easy and has very few requirements.

Requirements

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Supported Vendors	Intel (Onboard), GIGABYTE GC-Titan Ridge, GIGABYTE Alpine Ridge
Thunderbolt compatibility	Compatible Thunderbolt Chip
Kexts	Original Thunderbolt Kexts S/L/E

Enabling Thunderbolt for any of the above vendors can be quite complex process and time consuming. If done correctly, you can have a working Thunderbolt with the required speed and performance.

Before you start

Note :

• Remove all the work done for the Thunderbolt implementation.

STEP 1: Installing Thunderbolt Card

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Once you have your Thunderbolt Card, you're ready to install the Thunderbolt Card. To install the Thunderbolt Card, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Shut Down your System.
2. Open your PC case.
3. Install the Thunderbolt Card.
4. Connect the Power Cable.
5. Connect the USB cable to the USB 2.0 header available on the motherboard.
6. Connect the Thunderbolt Cable to the THB_C header available on your motherboard.

NOTES: On a few motherboards, you may not have the TB Settings under BIOS. In such a case, you can simply skip the BIOS settings for Thunderbolt. On a few Motherboards, you may not find the THB_C header. A workaround is to short or jump the PIN 3 and PIN 5 as described in this guide.

Spoiler: Recommended Physical Slot Location

Following are the recommend physical slot locations for installing Thunderbolt Card.

Chipset Series	Recommended Slot	Notes
H55	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
P55	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H57	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q57	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H61	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B65	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q65	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
P67	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H67	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q67	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z68	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B75	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q75	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z75	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H77	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q77	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z77	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H81	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B85	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q85	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q87	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H87	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z87	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z97	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H97	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
X58	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
X79	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
X99	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
X299	PCH PCIe x4 slot only PCH PCIe x8_2 slot only	If PCH PCIe x4 slot is not available, use PCH PCIe x8_2 slot.
C422	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C621	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C622	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C624	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C625	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C626	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C627	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
C628	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H110	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B150	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q150	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H170	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q170	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z170	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B250	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q250	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H270	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q270	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z270	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z370	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H310	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B360	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B365	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H370	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q370	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z390	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H410	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B460	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H470	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Q470	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z490	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
W480	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H510	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B560	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
H570	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
Z590	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
X570	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
B550	PCH PCIe x4 slot only
TRX40	PCH PCIe x4 slot only

NOTE: Installing the Thunderbolt in any other PCIe slot than PCIe x4 will require a flashed card with custom firmware for macOS.

STEP 2: BIOS Settings for Thunderbolt

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With Thunderbolt, the BIOS settings are really important. Changing the BIOS settings to a bad one, the Thunderbolt card might stop working. The adjustment of Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS will help the card to utilise the Card and setup a connection between hardware and the macOS.

To access your UEFI, press and hold Delete key on your Keyboard. The key maybe different in your case. Refer to your Motherboard Guide/Manual.

The BIOS settings has been already explained in the main BIOS/UEFI thread. For more information on BIOS/UEFI settings, refer to the guide linked below. This thread only includes settings for Thunderbolt.

BIOS/UEFI Settings for macOS (Intel/AMD)

BIOS/UEFI Settings for macOS (Intel/AMD) Most motherboards will work with only a few changes from Optimized Defaults. However, for some systems, you must change the settings for booting macOS and optimal performance. Before you start making changes to your BIOS, ensure you're running the latest...

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Built-in and AIC Thunderbolt

Spoiler: GIGABYTE

Settings	Value	Notes
Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Support
TBT Vt-d base security	Disabled
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Enabled Boot Once	Defines Thunderbolt Boot support. If Enabled option does not exist, use Boot Once option.
GPIO Force Pwr	Enabled	Forces Power to Thunderbolt
Skip PCI OptionRom	Enabled
Wake from Thunderbolt(TM) Devices	Enabled	Allows to wake from Thunderbolt Devices
Security Level	SL0-No Security	Defines Thunderbolt Security Level
DTBT Controller 0	Enabled
TBT Host Router	Two port
Extra Bus Reserved	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved Memory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved PMemory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved I/O	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS

Spoiler: ASUS 600 Series

Settings	Value	Notes
PCIE Tunneling Over USB4	Disabled	Only applicable for 600 series motherboard.
Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Support
Wake from Thunderbolt(TM) Devices	Enabled	Allows to wake from Thunderbolt Devices
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Enabled
DTBT Go2Sx Command	Enabled
Windows 10 Thunderbolt support	Enable + RTD3	Defines Thunderbolt support for Windows 10
DTBT Controller 0	Enabled
TBT Host Router	Two port
Extra Bus Reserved	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved Memory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Memory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved PMemory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
PMemory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved I/O	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS

Spoiler: ASRock 600 Series

Settings	Value	Notes
Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Support
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Enabled
Thunderbolt USB Support	Enabled
Windows 10 Thunderbolt support	Enable + RTD3	Defines Thunderbolt support for Windows 10

Spoiler: MSI

Settings	Value	Notes
Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Support
Wake from Thunderbolt(TM) Devices	Enabled	Allows to wake from Thunderbolt Devices
Current Security Level	No Security	Defines Thunderbolt Security Level
Native OS Security for TBT	Enabled
Thunderbolt USB Support	Enabled	Enables Thunderbolt USB Support
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Enabled
Titan Ridge Workaround for OSUP	Enabled
Tbt Dynamic AC/DC L1	Enabled
GPIO Force Pwr	Enabled	Forces Power to Thunderbolt
Wait time in ms after applying Force Pwr	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
GPIO filter	Enabled
DTBT Controller 0	Enabled
TBT Host Router	Two port
Extra Bus Reserved	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved Memory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Memory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved PMemory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
PMemory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved I/O	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Windows 10 Thunderbolt support	Enable + RTD3	Defines Thunderbolt support for Windows 10

Laptops

ASUS/Clevo

Settings	Value	Notes
Intel Thunderbolt Technology	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Function
Security Level	Unique ID Normal Mode w/o NHI	Defines Thunderbolt Security Level Unique ID Found on newer Laptops. Normal Mode w/o NHI Found on some old Laptops such as Haswell. Use this option instead of Debug Mode
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Enabled	Defines Thunderbolt Boot support.
Security Level	SL0-No Security	Defines Thunderbolt Security Level
Extra Bus Reserved	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved Memory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved PMemory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved I/O	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS

Settings	Value	Notes
Intel Thunderbolt Technology	Enabled
Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support	Enabled
TBT Vt-d Base Security	Disabled
Thunderbolt Boot Support	Disabled
Wake from Thunderbolt(TM) Devices	Enabled
Security Level	No Security SL0-No Security Legacy Mode Unique ID One time saved Key DP++ only Normal Mode w/o NHI Debug Mode	Defines Security Level No Security For most of the motherboard and Laptops, this option is preferred. SL0-No Security For some motherboards, you may not have option of "No Security" in such case, use this option which is similar to "No Security". Legacy Mode Unique ID This option is only applicable to Laptops. One time saved Key DP++ only Normal Mode w/o NHI Found on some old Laptops such as Haswell. Use this option instead of Debug Mode. Debug Mode Found on some old Laptops such as Haswell. Use "Normal Mode w/o NHI" option instead of Debug Mode.
Thunderbolt Usb Support	Disabled
GPIO Force Pwr	Enabled
DTBT Controller 0	Enabled
TBT Host Router	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Extra Bus Reserved	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved Memory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Memory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved PMemory	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
PMemory Alignment	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserved I/O	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
TBT Root port Selector	Auto Detect Thunderbolt USB	Auto Detect For some High End Builds, you may need to select the port. It's recommended to set it to Auto Detect. Thunderbolt USB For some High End Builds, you may need to select the port. If Thunderbolt USB option is available, it's advised to set this option only.
Thunderbolt(TM) PCI Cache-line size	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Wait time in ms after applying Force Pwr	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Skip PCI OptionRom	Enabled
Reserve memory per phy slot	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserve P memory per phy slot	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Reserve IO per phy slot	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
Delay before SX Exit	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
GPIO Filter	Enabled
Enable CLK REQ	Disabled
Enable ASPM	Disabled
Enable LTR	Disabled
Alpine Ridge XHCi WA	Enabled
AR XHCI Host Pre-Wake	Enabled
AR XHCI Host Active LTR	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
AR XHCI Host High LTR	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
AR XHCI Host Medium LTR	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS
AR XHCI Host Low LTR	Default	The default value after you reset the BIOS

NOTES: If your Motherboard or the Laptop doesn't have the options mentioned above, you can simply skip those settings. For Thunderbolt cards or chips with flashed firmware, disable "Thunderbolt USB Support" and if there is no such option, disable "Thunderbolt Boot Support."

STEP 3: Connecting Thunderbolt Device

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Now the Thunderbolt is ready to use. Here's how to connect your TB Device.

1. Turn on your TB Device.
2. Connect it to your PC.
3. Turn on your PC.

And you can enjoy using your Thunderbolt Device.

 

[Nitri]

Greetings and thanks for allowing me to be in this group.
I am new and have very little experience with installing macOS on a non-original computer.
After many, countless attempts, I have finally managed to install Catalina 10.15.4 with OpenCore.

I need to work WIFI, Bluetooth and Thunderbolt 3.
For WIFI and Bluetooth I have already found out that at the moment it is not possible for my hardware.

I thought the same for Thunderbolt, which is very important to me. I need to connect my sound card to this one.

Until I found this page. Now I have new hope of getting it.

From what I can read in your post this seems to be very easy, but I don't have much knowledge and I'm not sure about this.

First of all, you say that a Compatible Thunderbolt Chipset is necessary. My motherboard seems to have a Thunderbolt (TM) Controller -15E8 as indicated by Windows 10 Device Manager.

Second, you refer to Vanilla Thunderbolt kexts in / S / L / E. I don't know where I can get this kext and what should I do with it?

And finally, not all of the BIOS settings that it lists, are available on my motherboard.

I'm a little confused. Could you shed a little light on my confusion to help me resolve this?

I would greatly appreciate your help.

 

[EliteMacx86]

Greetings and thanks for allowing me to be in this group.
I am new and have very little experience with installing macOS on a non-original computer.
After many, countless attempts, I have finally managed to install Catalina 10.15.4 with OpenCore.

I need to work WIFI, Bluetooth and Thunderbolt 3.
For WIFI and Bluetooth I have already found out that at the moment it is not possible for my hardware.

I thought the same for Thunderbolt, which is very important to me. I need to connect my sound card to this one.

Until I found this page. Now I have new hope of getting it.

From what I can read in your post this seems to be very easy, but I don't have much knowledge and I'm not sure about this.

First of all, you say that a Compatible Thunderbolt Chipset is necessary. My motherboard seems to have a Thunderbolt (TM) Controller -15E8 as indicated by Windows 10 Device Manager.

Second, you refer to Vanilla Thunderbolt kexts in / S / L / E. I don't know where I can get this kext and what should I do with it?

And finally, not all of the BIOS settings that it lists, are available on my motherboard.

I'm a little confused. Could you shed a little light on my confusion to help me resolve this?

I would greatly appreciate your help.

As per your profile, looks like you're having an AMD Build. As per the rules, we do NOT support AMD yet.
What ThunderBolt Card you're using?

 

[Nitri]

As per your profile, looks like you're having an AMD Build. As per the rules, we do NOT support AMD yet.
What ThunderBolt Card you're using?

Original from Motherboard. Windows 10 Device Manager prompts "Thunderbolt (TM) Controller - 15E8"

 

[EliteMacx86]

Original from Motherboard. Windows 10 Device Manager prompts "Thunderbolt (TM) Controller - 15E8"

Can you provide a screenshot from DPCI Manager or Device Manager>Device ID.

 

[Nitri]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking me. Could it be this window?

 

[EliteMacx86]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking me. Could it be this window?

15e8 is JHL7540 Thunderbolt 3 NHI [Titan Ridge 2C 2018]
Try the guide and report if it works.

 

[Nitri]

Ok I will try !!! But I need information about this. Especially for "Vanilla Thunderbolt..."

Requirements

• Compatible Thunderbolt Chipset
• Vanilla Thunderbolt kexts in /S/L/E

Where can I download this? and what do i have to do with that kext? How do I include it in my system?

I have only managed, after much effort, to run a boot Pendrive !!!

My knowledge is very limited !!!

I deeply appreciate the help you are giving me !!!
Many thanks!!!

 

[EliteMacx86]

Ok I will try !!! But I need information about this. Especially for "Vanilla Thunderbolt..."



Where can I download this? and what do i have to do with that kext? How do I include it in my system?

I have only managed, after much effort, to run a boot Pendrive !!!

My knowledge is very limited !!!

I deeply appreciate the help you are giving me !!!
Many thanks!!!

Vanilla kexts in S/L/E means the original Apple TB kexts.

 

[Nitri]

Vanilla kexts in S/L/E means the original Apple TB kexts.

Ok, but I do a search in Spotlight and nothing similar appears on my computer. Also I would not know what to do with that or those kexts.

I include a screenshot with the information from the system.