To see if a Thunderbolt 3 dock is supported on your computer, there are a few ways to check:
I. Check the hardware ports
1. Observe the computer ports:
Look directly at the interface part of the computer to see if there is a Thunderbolt 3 logo. Thunderbolt 3 interfaces usually have a lightning-shaped icon and are labeled "Thunderbolt 3" or "TBT3".
2. Refer to the computer specifications:
Check the computer's specifications or the manufacturer's official website to see if it mentions support for Thunderbolt 3.
II. Check the Device Manager
1. Open the Device Manager:
In Windows, you can open it by right-clicking "This PC" (or "Computer"), selecting "Properties", and then clicking "Device Manager".
2. Find the Thunderbolt controller: Note: Sometimes, even if a Thunderbolt 3 controller is installed, it may not be displayed in the default view of the Device Manager. At this point, you can try using a more professional hardware detection tool, such as Intel's Thunderbolt Software (for older systems) or Thunderbolt Control Center (for newer systems).
In the Device Manager, expand options such as "System Devices" or "Other Devices" to see if there are any Thunderbolt 3-related controllers or devices listed.
III. Use professional detection tools
1. Download and install the detection tool:
You can download Thunderbolt detection tools such as Thunderbolt Software or Thunderbolt Control Center from Intel or other trusted sources.
2. Run the detection tool:
After installation, run the detection tool to see if the Thunderbolt 3 controller and related device information are detected.
3. View detailed information:
In the detection tool, you can usually find detailed information about Thunderbolt 3, such as firmware version, number of supported devices, etc.
IV. Check BIOS settings
1. Enter the BIOS setup interface:
Restart the computer and press a specific key (such as Del, F2, etc.) at startup to enter the BIOS setup interface.
2. Find Thunderbolt-related settings:
In the BIOS settings, find options related to Thunderbolt and make sure the Thunderbolt function is enabled.
V. Notes
Driver: Make sure you have installed the latest version of the Thunderbolt driver and BIOS firmware to ensure that the computer can correctly identify and use Thunderbolt 3 devices.
Compatibility: Before purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 dock, be sure to confirm its compatibility with your computer. Computers of different brands and models may have different hardware support and configuration requirements.
In summary, you can check whether the Thunderbolt 3 dock is supported on your computer by checking the hardware port, device manager, using professional detection tools, and checking BIOS settings. If none of the above methods can determine whether the computer supports Thunderbolt 3, it is recommended to contact the relevant manufacturer or after-sales service center for more detailed help and guidance.
