LENOVO THINKSTATION P520c, P520, P720, P920
Thunderbolt 3 Setup and Configuration
Contents
Thunderbolt 3 overview
Front Thunderbolt 3 solution
o Parts list
o Installation instructions
Rear Thunderbolt 3 solution
o Parts list
o Installation instructions
BIOS configuration
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Up to 40Gbps transfer speed
10 Gbps peer-to-peer support
100W bi-directional power capacity
Daisy Chain up to 6 devices
Thunderbolt 3 overview
Thunderbolt 3 is one of the fastest input/output (I/O) protocols for connecting peripheral devices to
your workstation. Your ThinkStation supports two different solutions for adding Thunderbolt 3
ports: a two port front panel accessible solution and a rear single port solution. This document
contains a brief description of Thunderbolt 3 features, followed by detailed instructions for installing
the Thunderbolt 3 solutions in your computer.
Thunderbolt 3 is an I/O interface that provides high speed data transfer between your workstation
and peripheral devices. Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data, monitor signals, and networking traffic
through a simple, industry standard port. Thunderbolt 3 employs the mechanically symmetrical
USB Type-C connector, allowing for easy insertion regardless of plug orientation.
Through the use of the USB Type-C port, a Thunderbolt 3 connection functions similar to a typical
USB port. Like previous versions of USB, Thunderbolt ports can be used to connect memory keys,
external hard drives, and other devices for the portable transfer of data. Unlike previous versions
of USB, however, Thunderbolt 3 supports multiple protocols for transferring data and connecting
peripheral devices, including: USB (all versions), Firewire, Thunderbolt 2, Ethernet, and Display
Port (with HDMI, DVI, and VGA support by extension).
Brief snapshot of supported Thunderbolt 3 features
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External DP to DP cable (200mm)
Front Thunderbolt 3 solution
The front Thunderbolt 3 solution provides two ports on the front of your ThinkStation.
Parts list
The following parts are needed for the installation of the front Thunderbolt 3 solution:
5.25” FLEX Module (FRU 01EF759)
Front Thunderbolt bezel (FRU 01EF100)
Circuit board bracket (FRU 01EF160)
Thunderbolt 3 PCIe x4 card kit (FRU 01YW003)
PCIe x4 adapter card
External DP to DP cable
Front Panel IO board and cable kit (FRU 01YW016)
Front panel IO circuit board
General purpose input/output (GPIO) cable
Mini-SAS cable
Internal DP to DP cable
FLEX module
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Internal DP to DP (650mm)
Front panel IO circuit board, bracket, and bezel
Cable connector details (total cable length)
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Installation instructions (front port solution)
Note: Due to differences in chassis design, portions of this installation procedure will vary
depending on the type of workstation you have (P520c, P520, P720, or P920). Where
necessary, the installation procedure differences are noted below.
FLEX module preparation
1. The FLEX module is designed with the removable access cover on the bottom. Invert the
FLEX module so that the removable cover is facing up and then place it on a flat work
surface. Lift the metal tab on the rear of the module and slide the cover back and up to
remove it from the module.
2. When viewed from the front, the FLEX module faceplate has slots for 4 devices or ports.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports will be installed in the top right slot (with the module oriented as
shown below), which is currently filled by a blank bezel. Remove the blank bezel by
pressing the two internal retaining tabs and popping the bezel out the front of the
faceplate.
3. Install the Thunderbolt 3 bezel in the empty faceplate slot. The bezel should be oriented
so that the Thunderbolt 3 icons are below the port openings in its current orientation. The
module will be flipped over before it is inserted into the workstation, so these icons will be
above the ports in the final orientation. Press the bezel from the front until the retaining
tabs snap into place.
4. Remove the card retaining bracket from the FLEX module by lifting the retention clip
slightly and sliding the bracket toward the rear of the module.
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