Thunderbolt 3 Modified Firmware Custom SSDT Discussion

[TheWiggler]

Your OEM fFirmware captures looked a bit different than mine. Wanna try these and double check your card?

Thanks. I tried it, but I think EX3 is borked since it doesn't show up in Windows with OEM firmware. I have a new one arriving within the next couple of hours. I am trying to solve this for a Mac Pro 5,1, but I have a few hacks here too and many of them are Asus motherboards with both types of TB headers. I am going to spend some time focusing on the EX 3-TR (until the new EX3 arrives). The build quality of the EX 3-TR is nice. It's heavy and well-made. I also have a EX4 arriving monday as well (not sure if anyone has experimented with Thunderbolt 4).

Is there a special technique for flashing the EX 3-TR? It doesn't seem to find the flash chip.

 

[TheWiggler]

Alpine Ridge cards don't automatically enable USB 3.x.
Once you get force power working (with pull up resistor to 3.3V source), then you need to enable USB 3.x. This can be done in EFI Shell.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/usb-3-x-pcie-cards-for-classic-mac-pro.1501482/post-27935029
Maybe an SSDT can do it to, but I haven't played with OpenCore much on my MacPro3,1 or with Thunderbolt SSDTs.
Maybe a firmware change can do it to, but I haven't done any firmware flashing.

Thanks. It's good to know even though I mostly care about Thunderbolt.

 

[vpalexei]

If the motherboard lacks a THB_C header then the Thunderbolt add-in-card will most likely not power on in macOS. By connecting pins 3 and 5 of the J1 Header on the add-in-card, we can force power on.

Can you explain pls and show photo, how connecting pins 3 and 5 of the J1 Header? I only have THB_C Header Cable for J1 Header. Maybe somebody help and thank you anyway.

 

[CaseySJ]

Can you explain pls and show photo, how connecting pins 3 and 5 of the J1 Header? I only have THB_C Header Cable for J1 Header. Maybe somebody help and thank you anyway.

Hope this helps...

We can use female/female breadboard jumper wires such as the ones that come in this package.

 

[macavaco]

Hi guys ... I am new to this discussion .... anyway I want to use an Apple Thunderbolt Display with a X570 or X370 Asus CROSSHAIR MOBO (I have both) w/ windows 11. I followed the firts discussions and figured out that I need a new firmware to the Titan Ridge v2 card (brand new card - just tested and did NOT worked with the Apple Thunderbolt Display - its recognized by windows 11)...I also understood that I need a flashing program from Gigabyte ? Is that correct ? ... I have downloaded from the first page of this thread... so my question is ...am I doing right ? What do I need to finished/install the correct ROM/firmware (most recent ) in order that the Apple display shows up.
Thanks ... a lot.
Marco

 

[NorthAmTransAm]

Hi guys ... I am new to this discussion .... anyway I want to use an Apple Thunderbolt Display with a X570 or X370 Asus CROSSHAIR MOBO (I have both) w/ windows 11. I followed the firts discussions and figured out that I need a new firmware to the Titan Ridge v2 card (brand new card - just tested and did NOT worked with the Apple Thunderbolt Display - its recognized by windows 11)...I also understood that I need a flashing program from Gigabyte ? Is that correct ? ... I have downloaded from the first page of this thread... so my question is ...am I doing right ? What do I need to finished/install the correct ROM/firmware (most recent ) in order that the Apple display shows up.
Thanks ... a lot.
Marco

It's my understanding that with the Titan Ridge card you will need to flash it and enable AppleVTD in order to use the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

The issue with a flashed card is that it likely will lose Windows functionality. Im not sure if thats across the board so I'd keep reading around here for it.

 

[scottkendall]

Did you try the card with the monitor plugged in from warm boot? Do you have the Mini DisplayPort cables from the GPU to the Titian Ridge? While I only have a Rev 1 not sure the actual card change other then the firmware that came pre installed. I use the z390 Designer modified firm ware on my AIC and I find it to be as good of implementation and use as my 2018 Mac mini. I totally 100% advocate using a Modified firmware.

 

[Kentsoon]

I have an Asus Thunderbolt 3-TR (titan ridge) installed in a ASUS TUF Gaming z490 Plus.

I want to connect a Thunderbolt audio interface to it. No display or USB. Just the Audio interface.
I also do not need Hot-Plug.

I've already spent quite some time trying to get it work. so far no success.
Big Question:
Can this be done (without flashing the TB Card)?

And if not, what would be an alternative solution (another TB Card or Motherboard - if so, which Model?)
I wouldn't mind changing the Motherboard or Card for a solution that has been tried and is working.
Thanks for anyone dropping a line pointing me in the right direction on: my thread about this

 

[scottkendall]

I have an Asus Thunderbolt 3-TR (titan ridge) installed in a ASUS TUF Gaming z490 Plus.

I want to connect a Thunderbolt audio interface to it. No display or USB. Just the Audio interface.
I also do not need Hot-Plug.

I've already spent quite some time trying to get it work. so far no success.
Big Question:
Can this be done (without flashing the TB Card)?

And if not, what would be an alternative solution (another TB Card or Motherboard - if so, which Model?)
I wouldn't mind changing the Motherboard or Card for a solution that has been tried and is working.
Thanks for anyone dropping a line pointing me in the right direction on: my thread about this

@NorthAmTransAm is the resident Asus TB card user.

 

[Kentsoon]

@NorthAmTransAm is the resident Asus TB card user.

@scottkendall - thanks for your input. Question: Are your Titan ridge TB3 in your builts flashed?
Are your TB3 onboard or PCIe-Cards and if so, what brand of Cards do you use?
are your builts posted on this forum here with instructions? I would like to learn more on how to tweak SSDT and DSDT for TB3-TR.
I am using opencore on my built.
Never mind, I found the info in other posts