- Joined
- Nov 23, 2010
- Messages
- 71
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme
- CPU
- Core i9-9900K
- Graphics
- UHD 630
- Mac
- Mobile Phone
@CaseySJ
Thank you very much. I really want to send all the kudos to Gigabyte Taiwan HQ team. There are really true professionals working there, who was very interested in helping me and potentially other people in solving this. And they did it.
They instantly found the same displays, took it to their lab, wrote custom firmware, performed all tests – all with extensive and in-depth comments and reports to me directly. Every single day. That is the most impressive thing I've seen in a while from a tech company!
Unfortunately, there's another and way less positive side of this story. And it is about Intel.
As I been told, current workaround with custom firmware is not official and goes against Intel plans in regards of Titan Ridge.
Basically, Intel don't want to let any Titan Ridge controller to work in Legacy Mode, as they prefer to have it in Native Mode only.
That may be only the reason that Intel may decline their requiests to sign these custom firmware binaries.
But I also worked really hard on this and obtained the contacts at Intel who will potentially help Gigabyte with this requests. Now they are already communicating and I really believe for the successful outcome of this collaboration.
P.S.: Our guess about Apple using dual Thunderbolt controllers in their most recent products were absolutely correct.
They did it intentionally in order to provide complete and full support to any generations of Thunderbolt devices (1, 2 and 3). As Alpine Ridge controller is able to work and switch to Legacy Mode, while needed, when Titan Ridge isn't.
So, that explains everything for me now. Apple probably had a consultations with Intel, before starting the design and manufacturing process. And they were probably told about these limitations and were advised to place both controllers to work in pair.
So, if Gigabyte did the same and just added Alpine Ridge chip next to Titan Ridge. In this case we'd received complete Thunderbolt support on our systems. The cost of the chip is around $30-$40. Which is not that big.
But anyways, we have what we have now.
I'll keep you guys updated once I'll get more information about this. Stay tuned!
Wow man! It's like I'm reading a dream but it's true! You've come so far and impressive is such an understatement. I agree with @CaseySJ they should send you the first beta for being "that guy" who pushed the limits. Amazing stuff! Can't wait! Thanks so much @AlexD in advance! Monument should be built in your name once this rom hits our mobos.