MSI’s USB4 PD100W Expansion Card Debuts at COMPUTEX 2023

Included in their press release for COMPUTEX 2023, MSI’s USB4 100W Expansion Card, also known as the MS-4489, debuted at COMPUTEX at MSI’s showcase.

The MS-4489 follows a design concept akin to Thunderbolt cards, necessitating an internal connection to the motherboard via a cable. This configuration enables seamless communication with interfaces routed over PCIe. Notably, the card features a distinct lower pin-header, although the exact purpose of the USB 2.0 pin-header remains uncertain. While Thunderbolt cards typically utilize this as an input, the ASM4242 chip offers native support for USB 2.0, distinguishing it from Thunderbolt technology. However, it is plausible that the USB 2.0 pin-header on the MS-4489 serves as a USB 2.0 output.

What sets this expansion card apart from MSI’s Thunderbolt 4 card is its remarkable support for 100W USB Power Delivery (PD) on the primary USB-C port. Additionally, the secondary port delivers up to 27W of power. To accommodate this power delivery capability, MSI has incorporated a 6-pin graphics card-style power connector into the design. This enhancement ensures sufficient power supply to the USB-C ports. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the MS-4489 features a physical PCIe x8 slot; however, it is wired for PCIe x4. This configuration may limit compatibility on motherboards lacking an open-ended PCIe x4 slot or a x16 slot wired for four lanes of PCIe.

The unveiling of MSI’s USB4 100W Expansion Card at Computex 2023 marks a significant milestone in the realm of high-speed connectivity. Industry observers anticipate similar products from other leading motherboard manufacturers and potentially from third-party developers in the coming months. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the MS-4489 promises to deliver enhanced performance and expanded possibilities for users seeking advanced USB4 capabilities.