Thunderbolt EX 4 (Code 43) in Device Manager

[in5omni4]

Hi,

I've updated the Firmware on my Thunderbolt EX4 after the PC can't be restarted. Means, it shuts down but the Power Reset fails. It hangs before POST, I guess!? Don't know, but I've missed the click of the power supply.

Anyway, after I installed the new Firmware for the EX (S/N starting with N!) 4 via TB & PD Firmware Update v1.4 (Thunderbolt Nvm Cypress PD Version 129) from the support page, Thunderbolt Center doesn't show the controller anymore:

So, I updated the BIOS for the TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS Mainboard to the newest 3208. But, problem still persists.

The EX4 sits on the PCIeX16_2 like, as you can see here:

The manual of the EX4 says to plug it onto the PCIeX4 in middle (between the two x16). But the TUF4070TI SUPER is too large to put it in there.

I've read a lot of posts from hacking the registry with HackFlags key to kill the Power Management for the TB Controller and/or deactivating it via Device Manager, which option I don't have. Up to, kill all power supply over night etc. Nothing worked.

Here's the same problem, but I couldn't find a solution for my problem.

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/thunderbolt-stopped-working-after-latest-motherboa...

I appreciate any hint or answer that brings me further or I can try another approach.

[in5omni4]

Update: Installed the next BIOS for the Mainboard v3222 which came out yesterday. No changes!

The Firmware of the EX4 must be the problem that it's not recognized by the Control Center [A] anymore. But, the other problem [B] that the PC is not restarting - why I initially updated to the latest - was the same. With the old EX4 FW and the latest.

I thought the 3222 could fix [B]... Nope.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @in5omni4 

Thank you for reaching out to us.
Could you please clarify if this issue occurred after the PC was first installed with the ThunderboltEX 4 or after using it for some time and occurred following any recent changes, such as the 1.4 firmware update or new Thunderbolt device connection?
If this issue only occurs after updating to firmware version 1.4, have you tried reverting to version 1.3?
Due to PCIe lane support, we recommend ensuring that the device is installed in the PCIEX4 slot as recommended in the TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS user manual before confirming again.

Thank you.

[in5omni4]

Hi Jiaszzz_ROG, thanks for your reply.

the controller was first listed in the TB Control Center. I only updated its firmware because of the missing power reset when restarting the computer.

I know that the recommendation from the manual. But the graphics card is way to big to install the EX4 in the PCIeX4. I can say that it worked properly where in PCI16_2. It only quits after updating to 1.4. Maybe, the placement in PCI16_2 is preventing the machine from restarting. I tried re-plugging everything to rule out that something doesn't fit properly.

Yes, I've tried to downgrade to 1.3. But the flash utility said that it's not possible. I didn't more investigation there, because I've read in forums that you have to live with the latest and you cannot downgrade... Should I try again another way I don't know?

My way was to download the FW & PD Firmware Update Tool from the support pages, copy the renamed .cpl to a USB stick and boot from there. I think there wasn't an option you have to unlock to downgrade. But, let me check again.

[in5omni4]

Sorry, the explanation with the .cpl was recalled from the BIOS update. When updating the fw of the EX4 you have to copy the whole folder to the stick. Just to have it clear.

[in5omni4]

I tried again. No chance to rollback this way. I also tried to enable "BIOS Image Rollback Support", just to be sure. I don't really think that's necessary.