Asus x670e-i Shuts Down Abruptly When Using Thunderbolt Devices via USB 4

[loup]

I built my PC with the following components:

• Motherboard: Asus ROG x670e-i
• CPU: Ryzen 7 7800x3d
• GPU: RTX 4080 Super FE
• RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 64GB 6000MHz CL36 AMD EXPO
• PSU: Corsair SF750
• Low-profile air cooler
• Case: Formd T1 (+ 2x Phanteks T30 fans)

I specifically chose this motherboard for its Thunderbolt support to switch all my peripherals between my gaming PC and my MacBook Pro. Here is my setup:

Gaming PC:

• PSU to power outlet
• USB 4.0 to Caldigit TS4+ hub:
  • 360Hz monitor (DisplayPort port)
  • 75Hz monitor (USB-C port)
  • Audio interface UAD Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 (Thunderbolt 4 port)

So, I have only one Thunderbolt 4 cable connected to my PC.

However, the computer has crashed several times, shutting down abruptly as if unplugged. After each crash, the audio interface connected via Thunderbolt stops working, and I struggle to restart the computer. When the computer crashes, I cannot restart it using the power button. I have to reset the CMOS to get it to boot again.

Crashes occur when the PC is under load. For example, watching YouTube videos is fine, but playing a game causes a crash. To diagnose the issue, I used "userdiag". Running userdiag in extreme mode with my Thunderbolt setup, the computer crashes within minutes. Running the same test with no Thunderbolt devices connected (only a monitor via DisplayPort and a keyboard and mouse directly to the motherboard) completes successfully: userdiag report.

Thus, the problem seems to be related to Thunderbolt. Is this due to a defective motherboard or an issue with Thunderbolt support on AMD platforms? The motherboard is still under warranty and can be returned to Amazon. What should I do?

Thank you for your assistance.

[loup]

Yeah sadly, my entire setup is based on Thunderbolt 😂

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @loup

According to the specifications and user manual for the ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI, it does not support Thunderbolt ports and indicates only USB 4 ports are provided.


As an example, on the ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI model, the presence of this specification would be indicated as follows:

If you connect a Thunderbolt device to the motherboard’s USB 4 port via USB type-C, it may result in compatibility issues, limited device functionality, connection failure, or power supply restrictions.
Therefore, we recommend removing the Thunderbolt device and using a USB 4 device in the corresponding port to verify proper functionality.

Thank you.

[loup]

Hello, thank you for your help. The specifications state:
2 x USB4® port(s) with Intel® JHL8540 USB4® controller.
However, the JHL8540 is a Thunderbolt 4 controller. In fact, the Thunderbolt software indicates that we have Thunderbolt 4 and not Thunderbolt 3. Also, even my Thunderbolt 3 equipment (compatible with USB 4) encounters stability issues. I should also mention that my Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals worked with the X670 Crosshair Gene in USB 4.0. So, I genuinely think that the USB 4 designation instead of Thunderbolt 4 is just a licensing issue (as I imagine it is difficult to obtain the Thunderbolt 4 designation for an AMD system). Thank you.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @loup 

It has been confirmed that USB4 and Thunderbolt use the same IC components, and the ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI does not support Thunderbolt.

Thank you.

[loup]

Hello @Jiaszzz_ROG , I didn't understand your response. If USB 4.0 supports Thunderbolt, then the x670e-i should also support it, right? Moreover, the x670 Crosshair Gene worked, so it's a software issue that I think Asus should look into... but maybe im wrong

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @loup 

USB4 has a similar appearance and identical IC components to Thunderbolt, but they are actually two different standards.
They are not fully compatible, which may lead to compatibility issues.
For detailed specifications, please refer to "What’s the Difference Between Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C?"

Additionally, it has been confirmed that the ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI does not support Thunderbolt.

Thank you.

[loup]

I don't want to seem insistent, but USB 4 is supposed to be backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3. Additionally, on the motherboard drivers page, there is a Thunderbolt driver: link.

So I imagine there's a reason for this. In the BIOS, there are also Thunderbolt settings. Sorry to insist, but this motherboard is supposed to be compatible with at least Thunderbolt 3. Moreover, as I mentioned, the documentation specifies:

2 x USB4® port(s) with Intel® JHL8540 USB4® controller (2 x USB Type-C®)

And the Intel® JHL8540 is a Thunderbolt 4 controller, I mean Thunderbolt 4, not just USB 4. It would be very dishonest of Asus to shirk all responsibility for Thunderbolt stability just because they don't explicitly use the term in the product specifications, especially when they allude to it everywhere in the drivers, BIOS, and USB 4 (which is supposed to be fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3) 😅

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello all,

As I mentioned earlier, we have repeatedly confirmed the specifications.
The ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI does not support Thunderbolt.

Thank you.

[loup]

Alright, so the problem is even more serious then. I tried to resolve the issue amicably, but if you confirm that Asus does not support Thunderbolt on this motherboard, then there is a serious problem. Because I repeat once again, USB 4.0 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, it is in the description of the standard. So if the motherboard is USB 4.0 compatible, then it MUST, it is not even a possibility, it must be Thunderbolt compatible. There is no possible debate. Sorry to be a bit more forceful, but I hate dealing with brands that do not take responsibility for misleading advertisements. And how do you explain that we find Thunderbolt drivers in the motherboard drivers? How come there are Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS? Because sorry to doubt your statement, but what is your source regarding the non-support of Thunderbolt for this motherboard?

Thank you again for your help, do not take this message personally, it is more directed towards the Asus teams.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @loup 

Based on your description and further consultation with the relevant team, it appears there might be a compatibility issue, as I mentioned earlier.
As per the link I provided previously, Thunderbolt™ 4 is an Intel-certified transmission technology, and as you noted, the ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI is an AMD platform.
Given this, we recommend cross-testing the Thunderbolt device with other Intel-platform motherboards or laptops to rule out potential port specification issues.

Alternatively, if you are willing, please provide the following information:
- Images of all manual settings in the BIOS, including memory overclocking or power settings.
- As the issue is easily reproducible, kindly record the problem under the following scenarios:
1) Start recording, showing the PC connection setup, Caldigit TS4+ hub, and Thunderbolt device connection setup.
After clearing CMOS, the system crashes under heavy load, and when the Thunderbolt device is removed, the same heavy load environment does not cause a crash.
2) Start recording, directly connecting the Thunderbolt device to the USB4 port, clearing CMOS, and then confirming if the crash issue occurs under heavy load.

Thank you.